Adeptus Custodes
The shining golden warriors known as the Adeptus Custodes are the elite bodyguard of the Emperor himself. Their word is law and their might in battle unsurpassed, even amongst the ranks of the Space Marines. Striding resplendent and fearless through the fog of war, they bring hope to the embattled civilisations of Mankind and swift death to their enemies.
Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 Adeptus Custodes | ||||
| Adeptus Custodes | Codex | 10 | 1.2 | October 2024 |
 Imperial Armour: Adeptus Custodes | ||||
| Imperial Armour: Adeptus Custodes | Datasheet | 10 | October 2024 | |
 Munitorum Field Manual | ||||
| Munitorum Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 1.13 | October 2024 |
 Boarding Actions | ||||
| Boarding Actions | Expansion | 10 | 1.0 | October 2024 |
| Balance Dataslate | ||||
| Balance Dataslate | Rulebook | 10 | June 2024 | September 2024 |
FAQ
Codex: Adeptus Custodes
| Q: | If an enemy model is within 12" of any part of a unit that is led by a CHARACTER with the Radiant Mantle Enhancement when that enemy model selects targets for its attacks, do those attacks suffer from the -1 Hit roll penalty? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | If I am using the Auric Champions Detachment and an ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER model that is leading a unit from my army is destroyed (e.g. by an attack with the [PRECISION] ability), does the Assemblage of Might Detachment rule still apply to the remaining models in that unit until the start of my next Command phase? |
| A: | No. |
| Q: | If I am using the Auric Champions Detachment, when selecting an enemy unit for the Assemblage of Might Detachment rule, can I select a unit that is embarked within a TRANSPORT? |
| A: | No. |
Introduction
The Detachment rule listed here will apply to either your whole army or to particular units within it. If any additional restrictions or benefits apply to a Detachment, they’ll be listed here. This can include units your army either must include or cannot include, as well as additional keywords some of your units may gain.
When mustering your army, your chosen Detachment enables you to upgrade CHARACTERS using the Enhancements listed here, as described in the Core Rules (see the Select Units step).
If you are playing a Crusade battle, you can instead use the Renowned Heroes Requisition to give your CHARACTERS Enhancements, as described in the main Crusade rules.
Your chosen Detachment gives you access to the Stratagems listed here in addition to the Core Stratagems listed in the Core Rules. During the battle, you can spend Command points (CP) to use these Stratagems.
Army Rules
Martial Ka’tah
Specialised disciplines mastered by Custodians over decades if not centuries, each ka’tah equips its practitioner to overmaster any foe in a particular discipline or philosophy. Martial katahs allow the warriors of the Adeptus Custodes to deploy stances, movements, war philosophies and lethal skills that enhance their already terrifying martial prowess and focus it against particular threats.
Each time a unit from your army with this ability is selected to fight, select one of the Ka’tah Stances below. Until that unit has finished making its attacks, the selected Stance is active for it and it gains the relevant ability:Dacatarai Stance Those Custodians skilled in the Dacatarai Ka'tah are able to turn their enemies numerical advantage against them. Reserved for when the Custodians must battle seething hordes of foes, this stance sees them reap a terrible tally Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. |
Rendax Stance Masters of Rendax are superlative monster and war machine hunters. They have studied every aspect of how to do battle with a foe far larger than themselves, how to evade its powerful attacks, exploit its blind spots and lay it low. Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability. |
Talons Of The Emperor
Revered Companions
The Custodians and the Silent Sisters often fought as one during the earliest days of the Imperium. Ten thousand years on, they have lost none of the unity of doctrine and purpose that makes them such a deadly combination.
ANATHEMA PSYKANA units from your army gain the following the ability:Null Aegis (Aura): While an ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit is within 6" of this unit, models in that unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability against Psychic Attacks and mortal wounds.
All other ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army gain the following ability:
Deadly Unity (Aura): While an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit is within 6" of this unit, each time a model in that ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.
Enhancements
This archeotech field projector triggers in response to autopremonitory danger input. It pulse-casts a temporary force field that can stave off even the most powerful attacks, before charging ready for another use. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. Once per turn, the first time a saving throw is failed for the bearer’s unit, change the Damage characteristic of that attack to 0. |
This leader is amongst the finest martial champions in all the Emperor's realm, and their mere presence inspires their followers to remarkable efforts. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. The range of the bearer’s Null Aegis or Deadly Unity ability is increased to 9". |
This warrior wields a close-quarters weapon crafted by the finest noble artisans of Terra, the workmanship of which is magnificent in its lethality. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. Each time the bearer makes a melee attack, add 1 to the Wound roll. |
The golden glory of the Emperor himself glows around this magnificent warrior like Sol's own fire. Enemies are blinded by its light, forced to recoil in pain and terror. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. Each time an attack targets the bearer’s unit, if the attacking model is within 12", subtract 1 from the Hit roll. |
Stratagems
TARGET: Up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your units are eilgible to shoot and/or declare a charge in a turn in which they Fell Back.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select two units if one (and only one) of them is an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit and both are within 6" of each other.
TARGET: Up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES INFANTRY units from your army, and one enemy unit that is an eligible target for all of those units.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your units can only target that enemy unit, but each time a model in one of your units makes a ranged attack, improve the Strength and Armour Penetration characteristics of that attack by 1.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select two units if one (and only one) of them is an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit and both are within 6" of each other.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks, and one friendly ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit within 6" of that ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Feel No Pain 4+ ability against Psychic attacks and mortal wounds.
TARGET: Up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in one of your units targets an enemy unit that is below its Starting Strength, add 1 to the Wound roll.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select two units if one (and only one) of them is an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit and both are within 6" of each other.
TARGET: Up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army that are within 9" of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: Your units can make a Normal move of up to 6".
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select units that are within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. You can only select two units if one (and only one) of them is an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit and both are within 6" of each other.
TARGET: One ANATHEMA PSYKANA INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks, and one other friendly ADEPTUS CUSTODES INFANTRY unit (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) within 6" of that ANATHEMA PSYKANA INFANTRY unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, any attack that targets your ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit must instead target your other ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit (unless it is not an eligible target).
Shield Host
Martial Mastery
The Custodians have perfected countless ways of making war, be it on a personal, tactical or strategic scale.
At the start of the battle round, you can select one of the bullet points below. If you do, until the start of the next battle round, that bullet point’s effects apply.- Each time an ADEPTUS CUSTODES model from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability makes a melee attack, a successful unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
- Improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of melee weapons equipped by ADEPTUS CUSTODES models from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability by 1.
Enhancements
This auramite weave garment is draped about its wearers shoulders before they don their battle armour. It forms a final, incredibly resilient layer of protection for them should all their other defences fail. SHIELD-CAPTAIN or BLADE CHAMPION model only. Add 2 to the bearer’s Wounds characteristic. |
This finely worked pauldron is awarded to whichever living Custodian currently holds the greatest tally of victories in the Blood Games. The one who bears the Castellan 's Mark is guaranteed to be a superlative strategic genius. SHIELD-CAPTAIN model only. After both players have deployed their armies, you can select up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) and redeploy all of those units. When doing so, any of those units can be placed into Strategic Reserves, regardless of how many units are already in Strategic Reserves. |
The racks of the Adeptus Custodes’ armouries yield up some of the most finely crafted close-quarters weaponry borne by any soldiers of the Imperium. SHIELD-CAPTAIN model only. Add 1 to the Strength and Damage characteristics of the bearer’s melee weapons. |
This incredibly advanced precursor to Imperial auspicators is able to see through solid objects and into esoteric spectra, meaning no malcontent against the Throne can ever hide from its bearer’s gaze. SHIELD-CAPTAIN or BLADE CHAMPION model only. While the bearer is leading a unit, ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit have the [IGNORES cover] ability. |
Stratagems
TARGET: That ADEPTUS CUSTODES model’s unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 4+ ability against mortal wounds.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) that is below its Starting Strength.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in that unit. If your unit is Below Half-strength, until the end of the phase, add 2 to the Attacks characteristic of those melee weapons instead.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES INFANTRY unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) that is within range of an objective marker you control and that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a melee attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army that Fell Back this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of your turn, that unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES BATTLELINE unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) within range of an objective marker you control.
EFFECT: That objective marker remains under your control even if you have no models within range of it, until your opponent controls it at the start or end of any turn.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select either the [LETHAL HITS] or [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. Until the end of the phase ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the selected ability.
Null Maiden Vigil
Creeping Dread (Aura)
The instinctive fear caused by the Pariah gene spreads like a terrible pall before the cadres of the Silent Sisterhood.
In the Battle-shock step of your opponent’s Command phase, if an enemy unit that is either a PSYKER unit or below its Starting Strength is within 12" of one or more ANATHEMA PSYKANA models from your army, that enemy unit must take a Battle-shock test. If that unit is Below Half-strength, it must subtract 1 from its Battle-shock test this phase instead.Designer’s Note: This means that all enemy PSYKER units within range of this Aura ability and all enemy units within range of this Aura ability that have lost one or more models must take a Battle-shock test in your opponents Command phase, not just those that are Below Half-strength.
KEYWORDS
If you select this Detachment, PROSECUTORS units from your army have the BATTLELINE keyword.Enhancements
Now rare, enhanced voidsheen cloaks were worn by commanders of the Sisters of Silence during the Great Crusade. They are made from micro-vitrious mesh designed to diffract and absorb attacks, and include inbuilt refractor fields. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. Each time an attack is allocated to the bearer, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack. If that attack was made by a PSYKER or Battle-shocked model, change the Damage characteristic of that attack to 1 instead. |
This ancient bionic acts like a miniature animus speculum, focusing the bearers null abilities into a stare that can literally terrify foes to death. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. In your Command phase, select one enemy unit within 12" of the bearer. That unit must take a Battle-shock test. |
Oblivion Knights are among the most powerful and experienced of the Sisters of Silence. When one leads their sisters in the field, witches must truly beware. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. While the bearer is leading a unit, each time a model in that unit makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll. If that attack targeted an enemy PSYKER unit, add 1 to the Wound roll as well. |
The Raptor Blade is an ancient relic of the Null Maidens, as razor sharp now as it was on the day of its forging and ever the bane of witches. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. Add 1 to the Attacks, Strength and Damage characteristics of the bearers melee weapons. While the bearer is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy PSYKER units that are Battle-shocked, add 2 to the Attacks, Strength and Damage characteristics of the bearer’s melee weapons instead. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit from your army within 18" of that enemy PSYKER unit.
EFFECT: That enemy PSYKER unit must take a Leadership test If the test is passed, that PSYKER unit is Battle-shocked; if the test is failed that PSYKER unit suffers 3 mortal wounds and is Battle-shocked.
TARGET: One ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Select either the [LETHAL HITS] or [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. Until the end of the phase, weapons equipped by models in your unit have the selected ability, but models in your unit can only target PSYKER units with their attacks.
TARGET: One VIGILATORS unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a melee attack, you can re-roll the Hit roll If the target of that attack is Battle-shocked or a PSYKER, you can re-roll the Wound roll as well.
TARGET: One PROSECUTORS unit from your army that has just shot.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit hit by one or more of those attacks. Until the start of your next turn, while your unit is on the battlefield, that enemy unit is prosecuted. While a unit is prosecuted, each time an ANATHEMA PSYKANA model makes an attack against that unit, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. While a PSYKER or Battle-shocked unit is prosecuted, each time a model in that unit makes an attack, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
TARGET: One WITCHSEEKERS unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of Torrent weapons equipped by models in your unit. If such a weapon targets a PSYKER or Battle-shocked unit this phase, add 2 to its Attacks characteristic instead.
TARGET: One ANATHEMA PSYKANA INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Stealth ability, and Battle-shocked and PSYKER models can only select your unit as a target of a ranged attack if they are within 12".
Auric Champions
Assemblage of Might
When such exceptional warriors as these gather to quest in the Emperors name, even the most dreadful foes of Humanity are right to fear for their lives.
At the start of your Command phase, select one unit from your opponent’s army. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time a model in an ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER unit from your army makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, add 1 to the Wound roll.Enhancements
This warrior is the Emperors own wrath made manifest, the living weapon of the Master of Mankind. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. Each time the bearer’s unit ends a Charge move, select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of the bearer and roll one D6: on a 4+, that enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. Once per battle, after the bearer s unit ends a Charge move, all enemy units within 6" of the bearer must take a Battle-shock test. |
Here is a singular being even the mighty Custodians can look up to and be inspired by ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. The bearer has a Leadership characteristic of 5+. Once per battle, at the start of any phase, you can select one friendly ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit that is Battle-shocked and within 12" of the bearer; that unit is no longer Battle-shocked. |
Few in the history of the Imperium have been so skilled in reading - and directing- the ebb and flow of battle. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. The bearer’s unit is eligible to shoot and/or declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back. Once per battle, when an enemy unit ends a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within 9" of the bearer, if the bearer’s unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, it can make a Normal move of up to 6". |
Said to have been fashioned for dark deeds during the Horus Heresy, this blade is an icon of vengeance. ADEPTUS CUSTODES model only. Add 2 to the Attacks characteristic of the bearers melee weapons. Once per battle, at the start of any Command phase, triple the bearer’s Objective Control characteristic until the end of the turn. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER unit from your army that has just destroyed the unit you selected at the start of your Command phase as the target of your Assemblage of Might ability.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit on the battlefield Until the start of your next Command phase, each time an ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER model from your army makes an attack that target that enemy unit, add 1 to the Wound roll In addition, if the destroyed unit was a CHARACTER unit, gain 1CP.
TARGET: That ADEPTUS CUSTODES WARLORD model.
EFFECT: Your model can use its Once per battle’ ability one additional time during this battle (but not in the same phase).
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem more than once per battle.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, CHARACTER models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 4+ ability.
TARGET: Up to two ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER units from your army that have not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a CHARACTER model in either of your units makes an attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit, you can re-roll the Hit roll and you can re-roll the Wound roll.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER model from your army that was just destroyed and has not fought this phase. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Do not remove your destroyed model from play. The destroyed model can fight after the attacking unit has finished making attacks, and is then removed from play.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER model from your army that is not leading a unit.
EFFECT: Select one friendly unit (excluding Battle-shocked and Attached units) within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of your model that it could lead (as described in the Leader section of its datasheet). Your model attaches to that unit as a Leader. Change that unit’s Starting Strength accordingly.
Crusade Rules
In this section you’ll find additional rules for playing Crusade battles that are bespoke to ADEPTUS CUSTODES units.
Your ADEPTUS CUSTODES Crusade force will set out on key Imperatives in the name of the Emperor, accomplishing amazing feats swiftly for unique rewards. But if they fail to complete these tasks, they will suffer consequences in the form of Dishonour.
BATTLE SCARS
Themed to the unique nature of ADEPTUS CUSTODES, these Battle Scars represent long-lasting effects units from your Crusade force may come to carry.
AGENDAS
ADEPTUS CUSTODES armies can attempt to achieve unique Agendas in addition to those found in other publications. These represent the factions unique goals and their particular methods of waging war.
REQUISITIONS
ADEPTUS CUSTODES armies have access to a number of bespoke Requisitions in addition to those found in other publications.
As they gain experience and prowess, ADEPTUS CUSTODES units in your Crusade force can be given one of the Battle Traits in this section instead of one presented elsewhere.
CRUSADE RELICS
In addition to the Crusade Relics presented in other publications, ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER models can claim one of the Crusade Relics found here.
ARTEFACTS OF THE VAULTS
As well as their Crusade Relics, ADEPTUS CUSTODES can borrow unique Artefacts of the Vaults to assist in completing the Magisterium Lex Ultima.
CRUSADE BADGES
Here you will find three Crusade Badges representing goals you can set yourself when campaigning with your Crusade force. Once one is achieved, you could set yourself a new goal, or take the opportunity to start a new Crusade force.
Magisterium Lex Ultima
As far back as records exist of the Adeptus Custodes, they have held the Magisterium Lex Ultima, making them answerable to only one - the Emperor. Such a mark of office holds them above all law and command save for the direct authority of the Master of Mankind, and affords them the incontestable jurisdiction to pursue Imperative Endeavours as they feel is appropriate.
When you commence an Endeavour, you must determine its three Imperatives from the Imperative tables. To do this, roll one D6 to decide which Imperative table to use, then another D6 to determine an Imperative from that Imperative table. You cannot determine the same Imperative for each Endeavour more than once (roll again until a new Imperative is determined). Once you have determined all three of your Imperatives, make a note of them, and the order in which they were generated, in your Order of Battle. Your Endeavour has now commenced and you must complete its Imperatives one at a time, starting with the first Imperative you determined - this is known as the active Imperative.
You can abandon an Endeavour at the end of a battle. If you do, and you have completed two out of three Imperatives, you can randomly select an Endeavour Reward from the two you have completed, and the other Endeavour Reward is lost.
In addition, if you have not completed all of your Endeavour’s Imperatives within nine battles of beginning that Endeavour, then it is abandoned.
When an Endeavour is abandoned, you must select a Dishonour, and can then start a new Endeavour before the next battle.
IMPERATIVE (D6 1-3)D6
Some crucial heartland territories must be kept free of foes at any cost.
You must embody the Emperor's fury in your wholesale destruction of the foe.
So absolute must your victory be that it sends a message to any who threaten Terra.
Priority threats to the Throne must be eliminated.
Sometimes the Custodians must work secretly and to hidden agendas.
You must display excellence in every theatre of strategy and tactics.
IMPERATIVE (D6 4-6)D6
Those territories claimed by the Emperor must be irrefutably uncontested.
- You control three or more objective markers.
- You control at least double the number of objective markers that your opponent does.
The blood-price of defying Terra must be rendered insupportable.
Augury suggests this fiend is a direct threat to the Throne and must be destroyed!
Shatter this danger before it can develop.
Sweep the enemy aside and reclaim that which is the Emperor's.
Fight as the Emperor's true champions.
Endeavour Rewards
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Dishonour
Each time your Crusade force abandons an Endeavour, you must determine a Dishonour from the table (see Dishonour table). You can either select the Dishonour that you feel is most appropriate or randomly determine one by rolling one D6 and applying the corresponding result.
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Battle Scars
When an ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit gams a Battle Scar, you can use the table presented here to determine which Battle Scar that unit has gained.
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Agendas
If your Crusade army includes any ADEPTUS CUSTODES units, you can select Agendas from those presented here.The Custodians know that no matter how honed their skills or focused their thoughts, the defence of the Golden Throne always demands more and better.
- That unit is not destroyed.
- That unit is within range of an objective marker outside your deployment zone that you control.
- That unit destroyed one or more enemy units during the battle.
- That unit destroyed three or more enemy units during the battle.
A devastating victory is a great deterrent to potential foes, sending ripples of dismay through those who might otherwise have thought to threaten the Throneworld.
The work of harvesting powerful psykers to feed the Golden Throne is never-ending. The same is true of the quest to purge the galaxy of those witches deemed powerful enough to present a threat to the Emperor or his realm.
More than one dread entity or forbidden artefact has slipped away from the cells beneath the Emperor's Palace since the emergence of the Great Rift. Seizing and recovering these is a rewarding priority for many Custodians.
Requisitions
If your Crusade army includes any ADEPTUS CUSTODES units, you can spend Requisition points (RPs) on any of the following Requisitions.There are ancient devices and weapons within the vaults of the Emperor's Palace that only the Custodians are entrusted with their use.
- You can only select this option if your Crusade force is on an Endeavour. Select one Artefact of the Vaults. That model gains that Artefact of the Vaults until your Crusade force completes its active Imperative or abandons its Endeavour. Your Crusade force can only have one Artefact of the Vaults at any time.
- Remove one Enhancement from that model and replace it with another that it is eligible to have.
The Custodians earn new names for their tallies in honour of especially mighty deeds.
Earned Name: Each time this model’s unit is selected to fight, both Ka’tah Stances are active for that unit, instead of only one.
The Adeptus Custodes are masters at seizing control of rapidly developing situations and applying their talents to alter the strategic parameters in their favour.
Amongst the meritocratic structures of the Adeptus Custodes, warriors may prove themselves worthy of command in many ways.
Battle Traits
When a ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit gains a Battle Trait, you can use one of the tables presented here to determine which Battle Trait that unit has gained.ADEPTUS CUSTODES INFANTRY UNITSD6
Excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA unitsEven while standing statue-still upon their endless watch, these Custodians are ready to spring instantly into violent action.
These warriors place every shot to fell the maximum number of victims with the most murderous efficiency.
Having stood guard over the very throne room of the Emperor himself, these Custodians are no strangers to staging the most resolute defence.
Even by the exceptional standards of the Adeptus Custodes, these warriors skills in close-quarters combat are breathtaking.
There is no circumstance this side of the grove that can truly shake the composure of the Custodians.
The genetic alchemy that saturates these warriors' physiologies has been tempered by many perils to resist more strongly than ever the corrupting touch of the warp.
ADEPTUS CUSTODES MOUNTED UNITSD6
These warriors become veritable streaks of golden light as they sweep down upon their foes.
Fighting at the forefront of the battle, these Custodians hit their victims with perfectly timed volleys the instant before they tear into their ranks.
These Custodians push their mounts to the limit, the better to capitalise upon the element of surprise.
ANATHEMA PSYKANA INFANTRY UNITSD6
The Sisters of Silence know that witches are best struck down before they have a chance for trickery.
Once on the trail of their quarry, these Null Maidens run them down with merciless determination.
These Sisters of Silence are ruthless and dogged in their pursuit of the enemy.
Crusade Relics
Artificer Relics
Auramite can be etched with protective wards. Few have the skills or knowledge to amend the Custodes’ armour in such a way, and the process takes many months to complete.
Once per turn, you can re-roll one saving throw made for the bearer.Said to have been crafted from a crystallised shard of the Emperors glorious light, this misericordia has been borne into battle by three separate Captain-Generals. It is reputed to flood the heart of its victim with searing radiance.
ADEPTUS CUSTODES INFANTRY model only. The bearer is equipped with the following melee weapon in addition to its other weapons:MELEE WEAPONS | RANGE | A | WS | S | AP | D |
| Emperor’s Light [DEVASTATING WOUNDS, EXTRA ATTACKS] | ||||||
| Emperor’s Light [DEVASTATING WOUNDS, EXTRA ATTACKS] | Melee | 3 | 2+ | 5 | -2 | 1 |
Antiquity Relics
This blade is the pattern upon which all executioner greatblades were built. Its substance is capable of cutting any material without the need of a power field or disruption generator.
KNIGHT-CENTURA model equipped with an executioner greatblade only. The bearer’s melee weapons gain the [LANCE] and [SUSTAINED HITS 1] abilities.Legendary Relics
This gleaming halo is an ancient artefact fitted with a powerful conversion field that offers heightened protection to the wearer.
The bearer has a 3+ invulnerable save.The Apollonian Spear was wielded by Constantin Valdor, the first Captain-General of the Custodes. After his disappearance, the spear was placed in the vaults of Terra. Only rarely now, in the most terrible of circumstances, is it brought from there and wielded by the mightiest of the Custodians.
SHIELD-CAPTAIN model only. Once per battle, at the start of the Fight phase, the bearer can use this ability. If it does, add 3 to the Strength and Attacks characteristics of the bearer’s melee weapons until the end of that phase.Artefacts of the Vaults
Artefacts of the Vaults are rare Crusade Relics from ages past, kept in stasis deep within the vaults of the Imperial Palace. They cannot be selected as normal. Instead, if your Crusade force is on an Endeavour, they can be temporarily used by ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTERS to turn the tide of key battles by using the Artefacts of the Vaults Requisition.Each time a model gains an Artefact of the Vaults, make a note on its Crusade card and increase its Crusade points total by 1. Artefacts of the Vaults can be removed before or after a battle, and are also removed when your Crusade force completes its active Imperative or abandons its Endeavour. Each time a model loses an Artefact of the Vaults, reduce its Crusade points total by 1.
Artefacts of The Vaults
A counter-intelligence device that twists and distorts electromagnetic signals, arae-shrikes are considered blasphemous in principle and arcane function by the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Enemy units that are set up on the battlefield as Reinforcements cannot be set up within 12" of this unit.The Mortis Gyre is an orb of energy that, when activated, seeks out its victim and rapidly embeds itself into their consciousness. The victim is shown a horrifying vision of their impending doom and a killing blow is delivered to send them to that fate.
Once per battle, when the bearer is selected to fight, it can activate the Mortis Gyre. If it does, until that fight is resolved, melee attacks made by this model that target an INFANTRY unit have the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability.What appears to be a cloak of office can be activated to envelop the bearer in the very fabric of its surrounding reality, allowing them to traverse atomically with a thought and re-emerge with a blink.
Once per battle, at the end of any of your phases, the bearer can use the Twilight Pallium. If it does, remove the bearer’s unit from the battlefield and set it up again anywhere on the battlefield more than 3" horizontally away from all enemy units. The bearer’s unit is not eligible to charge in a turn in which it was set up in this manner unless it is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy units.A circlet of spiritual darkness believed to hail from the earliest eras of Mankind, this sinister artefact focuses null energies in a vortex around its wearer.
The bearer gains the following ability:Anathematic Diadem (Aura): When an enemy model within 12" of this model makes an attack with a Psychic weapon, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
This immeasurably ancient auto-medicae device stems from an age of learnings now long lost. It meshes seamlessly with any suit of battle armour and exudes filament probes through the bearer’s body, there to dispense remarkable panaceaic elixirs should it detect severe physical or mental trauma.
Once per battle, in your Command phase, the bearer can regain up to D6 lost wounds.The Auriferous Orb appears to be a sphere of solid gold, but its simple beauty belies its dangers. When it detonates, it unleashes beams of such pure, radiating light that it kills those enemies of the Emperor it does not blind.
The bearer is equipped with the following ranged weapon in addition to its other weapons:Blinding Light: Each time a unit is hit by this weapon, it is blinded until the start of your next turn. While a unit is blinded, each time a model in that units makes an attack, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
RANGED WEAPONS | RANGE | A | BS | S | AP | D |
| Auriferous Orb [ANTI-INFANTRY 4+, BLAST, BLINDING LIGHT, DEVASTATING WOUNDS] | ||||||
| Auriferous Orb [ANTI-INFANTRY 4+, BLAST, BLINDING LIGHT, DEVASTATING WOUNDS] | 8" | D3 | 2+ | 1 | 0 | 1 |
The Epoch Auspice resembles an unremarkable book - with its battered cover and worn pages - but this appearance hides the strange technologies bound within that allow the bearer to create a temporal bubble around themselves and nearby allies.
Once per battle, at the start of the battle round, the bearer can deploy the Epoch Auspice. If it does, until the end of the battle round, each time an attack targets the bearer’s unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.Crusade Badges
When your Crusade force accomplishes specific long-term goals, you can earn the Crusade badges shown below, representing your warriors’ successes over many battles.Trusted Sentinel
Your victories have earned the approbation of your peers within the Ten Thousand. They have also seen you awarded with several new names to add to your tally, and opened new opportunities for you to advance within the esoteric subsocieties of your order All of this is as it should be, for with every plaudit or advancement your ability to serve the Emperor and defend the Golden Throne increases. Yet there are myriad threats still to be met. There are countless challenges for you to rise to, and your duties remain endless. Continue your watch with honour...
- You have completed three Imperatives or more and earned one Endeavour Reward.
- You have won two or more battles.
Champion of The Throne
The tale of your names winds across the inner surfaces of your armour, an indisputable record of your valiant and merciless deeds. Many amongst the ranks of the Adeptus Custodes know of you. Your reputation as an exemplary warrior, battlefield commander and living implement of the Emperor's vengeance grows with every victory.
- You have completed nine Imperatives and earned three Endeavour Rewards.
- You have won six or more battles.
- You have used the Artefacts of the Vaults Requisition at least once, and won one or more battles while a model from your Crusade army has an Artefact of the Vaults.
Auric Exemplar
Your name has become a byword for terror amongst the enemies of the Emperor, while across the Throne world you are celebrated in statue, tapestry and song.
- You have completed 15 Imperatives and earned five Endeavour Rewards.
- You have won ten or more battles.
- You have used the Artefacts of the Vaults Requisition at least three times, and won three or more battles while a model from your Crusade army has an Artefact of the Vaults.
- An ADEPTUS CUSTODES CHARACTER model has reached the Legendary rank.
Boarding Actions
Introduction
Within the following pages you will find numerous Boarding Actions Detachments that can be used in your Boarding Actions games. Each lists which units you can include in your army, any modifications to those units’ army rule as presented in their Codex or Index, a Detachment rule unique to that Detachment, and a number of Enhancements and Stratagems that you can use.A keyword that will be shared by all units in your army.
MUSTERING RULES
Which units you are allowed to include in your army.
FORMING BOARDING SQUADS
Any additional rules that will apply in the missions Form Boarding Squads step. Note that not all Detachments will have these.
RULES ADAPTATIONS
Some units will be unable to use certain abilities in Boarding Actions battles. Where this is the case, these units and their relevant abilities will be listed here.
Due to the distinct nature of close-quarters battle in Boarding Actions, most army rules require some modifications to their effects. Where this is the case, these will be described here.
DETACHMENT RULE
Each faction will have a number of different Detachments to choose from, each with its own Detachment rule to reflect the unique fighting methods of such forces.
ENHANCEMENTS
Further Enhancements that you can give to CHARACTER models from your army, beyond those(Boarding Actions Enhancments), will be found here.
STRATAGEMS
Additional Stratagems that you can use, in addition to those (Boarding Actions Stratagems), will be found here.
Voyagers in Darkness
Some shield companies of the Adeptus Custodes set sail into the darkness between the stars, either guided by visions of the Emperor’s will or believing that they can do the most to defend Terra by seeking out and destroying distant threats.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to two of the following units (duplicates are not allowed):- BLADE CHAMPION
- INFANTRY SHIELD-CAPTAIN
- TRAJANN VALORIS
- VALERIAN
- CUSTODIAN GUARD (4 or 5 models)
- ALLARUS CUSTODIANS (2 or 3 models)
- CUSTODIAN WARDENS (4 or 5 models)
- PROSECUTORS* (5 or 10 models)
- VIGILATORS* (5 or 10 models)
- WITCHSEEKERS* (5 or 10 models)
Rules Adaptations
- ADEPTUS CUSTODES units cannot perform the Secure Site Tactical Manoeuvre.
- The ALLARUS CUSTODIANS unit loses the From Golden Light ability.
- The BLADE CHAMPION model loses the Martial Inspiration ability.
- The SHIELD-CAPTAIN model loses the Master of the Stances ability.
Focused Ka’tah
In the claustrophobic battlegrounds of voidship interiors, even the lone champions of the Adeptus Custodes find benefit in focussing their efforts upon certain, particularly beneficial fighting styles.
Units from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability retain that ability and gain this one.However, you no longer select a Ka’tah Stance each time a unit with the Martial Ka’tah ability is selected to fight. Instead, at the start of the Fight phase, you can select one Ka’tah Stance. Until the end of the phase, the selected Stance is active for your army and units from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability gain the relevant ability. Each Ka’tah Stance can only be selected once per battle.
Detachment Rule
Overwhelming Magnificence
To confront the towering, auramite-clad warriors of the Adeptus Custodes across an open battlefield is terrifying enough. To meet them in the cramped confines of a voidship is so overwhelming as to render many foes witless.
While an enemy unit is within Engagement Range of one or more ADEPTUS CUSTODES units from your army, subtract 1 from the Objective Control characteristic of models in that enemy unit.Enhancements
Voidstrider At home in voidborne warfare, this superhuman warrior is able to move with marked purpose and speed. Add 2" to the bearer’s Move characteristic. |
Mantle of the Emissary This ancient cloak symbolises its wearer’s dedication to a vision-sent mission from the Emperor, and fills them with overwhelming purpose and determination. The bearer has an Objective Control characteristic of 5. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) that has not been selected to move this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can ignore Walls and other models for the purposes of determining which enemy units are visible to its own.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army (excluding ANATHEMA PSYKANA units) that has not been selected to move this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit makes a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move, models in your unit can move through other models as if they were not there. In addition, any Desperate Escape tests taken for models in your unit are automatically passed.
TARGET: One ADEPTUS CUSTODES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit (excluding ballistus grenade launchers) have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability while targeting units within 6".
TARGET: That ALLARUS CUSTODIANS unit.
EFFECT: Each enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit must take a Battle-shock test, subtracting 1 from the result.
Black Ship Guardians
Whether fighting furiously to prevent enemies from boarding one of the sinister Black Ships and freeing its psyker inmates, or sweeping into an enemy vessel or installation to seize and imprison powerful witches, the Sisters of Silence are a force to be reckoned with in void warfare.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to two of the following units (duplicates are not allowed):If you include only one other CHARACTER unit, you can include up to one of the following units:
- INFANTRY SHIELD-CAPTAIN
- VALERIAN
- PROSECUTORS (5 or 10 models)
- VIGILATORS (5 or 10 models)
- WITCHSEEKERS (5 or 10 models)
Focused Ka’tah
In the claustrophobic battlegrounds of voidship interiors, even the lone champions of the Adeptus Custodes find benefit in focussing their efforts upon certain, particularly beneficial fighting styles.
Units from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability retain that ability and gain this one.However, you no longer select a Ka’tah Stance each time a unit with the Martial Ka’tah ability is selected to fight. Instead, at the start of the Fight phase, you can select one Ka’tah Stance. Until the end of the phase, the selected Stance is active for your army and units from your army with the Martial Ka’tah ability gain the relevant ability. Each Ka’tah Stance can only be selected once per battle.
Detachment Rule
Priority Quarry
With merciless efficiency, the Sisters of Silence mark their priority prey amidst the maelstrom of shiphoard combat, then focus on their elimination above all else.
At the start of the first battle round, you can select up to two enemy units to be your army’s quarry, one of which must be your opponents WARLORD. Each time an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit from your army makes an attack that targets one of your army’s quarries, re-roll a Hit roll of 1. Each time an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit from your army declares a charge, it can include one or more of your army’s quarries as targets of that charge, even if they are not visible to it.Enhancements
The Vratine Aquila (Aura) This ancient device is said to have been crafted for use during a vital conclave during the waning days of the Great Crusade, wreathing its bearer in energy veils. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. While a friendly ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit is within 3" of the bearer, models in that unit have a 4+ invulnerable save. |
Sinister Presence (Aura) So deeply unsettling is the null aura surrounding this warrior that it causes unreasoning paranoia to spread amongst her foes, shattering their focus. ANATHEMA PSYKANA model only. While an enemy unit is within 6" of the bearer (when measuring this distance, Walls and closed Hatchways are ignored), that unit cannot Seize objective markers and, in your opponent’s Command phase, that unit must take a Battle-shock lest. This Enhancement cannot cause a unit to take two Battle-shock tests in the same phase. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One VIGILATORS, ALEYA or KNIGHT-CENTURA equipped with an executioner greatblade unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
TARGET: One ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
TARGET: That ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back.
TARGET: One PROSECUTORS unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1. In addition, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, on a Critical Wound, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by an additional 1.
Note that CHARACTERS cannot use their Aura Abilities while %000015069performing actions%.
The CHARACTER keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
The keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful. An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails. A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Hit Roll (Ranged Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s BS.
- Hit Roll (Melee Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s WS.
- Critical Hit: Unmodified Hit roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails.
- A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
The golden glory of the Emperor himself glows around this magnificent warrior like Sol's own fire. Enemies are blinded by its light, forced to recoil in pain and terror.
model only. Each time an attack targets the bearer’s unit, if the attacking model is within 12", subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
Precision attacks can pick high-value targets out in a crowd, whether through the unerring aim of a sniper or the pinpoint accuracy of a blade-master’s strike.
Weapons with [PRECISION] in their profile are known as Precision weapons. Each time an attack made with such a weapon successfully wounds an Attached unit (see Leader ability), if a CHARACTER model in that unit is visible to the attacking model, the attacking model’s player can choose to have that attack allocated to that CHARACTER model instead of following the normal attack sequence.- When targeting an Attached unit, the attacking model’s player can have the attack allocated to a CHARACTER model in that unit visible to the bearer.
When such exceptional warriors as these gather to quest in the Emperors name, even the most dreadful foes of Humanity are right to fear for their lives.
At the start of your Command phase, select one unit from your opponent’s army. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time a model in an CHARACTER unit from your army makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, add 1 to the Wound roll.- A unit can embark within a friendly TRANSPORT if all of its models end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within 3" of that TRANSPORT.
- A unit cannot embark and disembark in the same phase.
The TRANSPORT keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
There are several categories of Battle Honours that can be bestowed upon a unit, such as Battle Traits, Weapon Modifications and Crusade Relics. Other categories of Battle Honour may be found in other publications. Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, you can select from any category.
- Once a unit gains enough XP it will gain a rank.
- Only CHARACTER units can gain the Heroic or Legendary ranks.
- Each time a unit gains a rank, it can gain a Battle Honour.
- There are several categories of Battle Honours, which include:
- Battle Traits: New skills and abilities.
- Weapon Modifications: Upgrade an item of wargear.
- Crusade Relic: Gain a rare and powerful artefact.
- Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, increase its Crusade points total by 1 (or by 2 if TITANIC).
The greatest warriors, most cunning tacticians and seers lead their armies to war possessed of hard-won skills and powerful artefacts that mark them out as legendary commanders.
You can select one Enhancement that unit has access to (if using this Requisition when that unit gains a rank, this is instead of it gaining a Battle Honour). When doing so, that unit has access to any Enhancements described within any Detachment rules that it could use, even though you have not yet started to muster your army and so have not selected any Detachment rules yet.
If the selected Enhancement replaces a weapon that is a Crusade Relic or a weapon upgraded by Weapon Modifications, that Crusade Relic or Weapon Modifications are lost. Recalculate the unit’s points value as a result of gaining this Enhancement and update its Crusade card. You cannot make any changes that would cause you to exceed your Supply Limit.
This Requisition costs 1RP plus 1 additional RP for each other Enhancement that your Order of Battle contains (to a maximum of 3RP).
Some weapons strike in a flurry of blows, tearing the foe apart with relentless ferocity.
Weapons with [SUSTAINED HITS X] in their profile are known as Sustained Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if a Critical Hit is rolled, that attack scores a number of additional hits on the target as denoted by ‘x’.- [SUSTAINED HITS X]: Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.
Some weapons can inflict fatal injuries on any foe, no matter their resilience.
Weapons with [LETHAL HITS] in their profile are known as Lethal Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, a Critical Hit automatically wounds the target.The ANATHEMA PSYKANA keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
Weapons powered by unstable and dangerous energy sources pose a substantial risk to the wielder every time they are used.
Weapons with [HAZARDOUS] in their profile are known as Hazardous weapons. Each time a unit is selected to shoot or fight, after that unit has resolved all of its attacks, for each Hazardous weapon that targets were selected for when resolving those attacks, that unit must take one Hazardous test. To do so, roll one D6: on a 1, that test is failed. For each failed test you must resolve the following sequence (resolve each failed test one at a time):- If possible, select one model in that unit that has lost one or more wounds and is equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, if possible, select one model in that unit (excluding CHARACTER models) equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, select one CHARACTER model in that unit equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
If a unit from a player’s army is selected as the target of the Fire Overwatch Stratagem in their opponent’s Charge phase, any mortal wounds inflicted by Hazardous tests are allocated after the charging unit has ended its Charge move.
- After a unit shoots or fights, roll one Hazardous test (one D6) for each Hazardous weapon used. For each 1, a model equipped with a hazardous weapon suffers 3 mortal wounds, that must be allocated to the selected model.
- A Critical Wound inflicts mortal wounds equal to the weapon’s Damage characteristic, instead of any normal damage.
Some attacks are so powerful that no armour or force field can withstand their fury.
Some rules inflict mortal wounds on units. Each time mortal wounds are inflicted on a unit, each of those mortal wounds inflicts one point of damage to that unit, and they are always applied one at a time. Each mortal wound is allocated to a model in the same manner as allocating an attack. Excess damage from mortal wounds is not lost if the damage can be allocated to another model. Instead, keep allocating damage to another model in the target unit until either all the damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed.If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, do not make a Wound roll or saving throw (including invulnerable saving throws) against those mortal wounds. If those mortal wounds are inflicted by an attack that has the [PRECISION] ability, the attacking model’s controlling player can allocate those mortal wounds to a CHARACTER model in that unit.
If mortal wounds are being inflicted as a result of the [HAZARDOUS] ability or by an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability that scored a Critical Wound, each time those mortal wounds are allocated to a model, if that model is destroyed as a result of those mortal wounds, the remaining mortal wounds from that attack are lost, just as with a normal attack.
If, when a unit is selected to shoot or fight, one or more of its attacks can inflict mortal wounds on the target, resolve any normal damage inflicted by the attacking unit’s attacks on that target before inflicting any mortal wounds on that target. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers those mortal wounds, as described above.
- Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in that unit to lose one wound.
- Unless the source of the mortal wounds is the [HAZARDOUS] ability or an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability, damage from mortal wounds is not lost if it can be allocated to another model.
- No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
- Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks always apply after any normal damage, even if that damage was saved.
Some warriors refuse to be laid low, even by what should be fatal wounds.
Some models have ‘Feel No Pain x+’ listed in their abilities. Each time a model with this ability suffers damage and so would lose a wound (including wounds lost due to mortal wounds), roll one D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the number denoted by ‘x’, that wound is ignored and is not lost. If a model has more than one Feel No Pain ability, you can only use one of those abilities each time that model suffers damage and so would lose a wound.- Feel No Pain x+: Each time this model would lose a wound, roll one D6: if the result equals or exceeds ‘x’, that wound is not lost.
If the result is greater than or equal to the Save characteristic of the model the attack was allocated to, then that saving throw is successful and the attack sequence ends. Otherwise, that saving throw fails and that model suffers damage.
An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails. A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
- Saving Throw: Roll one D6 and modify by the attack’s AP. If the result is less than the Save of the model being rolled for, the saving throw is failed and that model suffers damage. Otherwise, that attack is saved.
- An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails.
- A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
The Custodians and the Silent Sisters often fought as one during the earliest days of the Imperium. Ten thousand years on, they have lost none of the unity of doctrine and purpose that makes them such a deadly combination.
ANATHEMA PSYKANA units from your army gain the following the ability:Null Aegis (Aura): While an unit is within 6" of this unit, models in that unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability against Psychic Attacks and mortal wounds.
All other units from your army gain the following ability:
Deadly Unity (Aura): While an ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit is within 6" of this unit, each time a model in that ANATHEMA PSYKANA unit makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.
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If the result of the Wound roll is greater than or equal to the required number shown in the table above, then that Wound roll is successful and scores one wound against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.
An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful. An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails. A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Critical Wound: Unmodified Wound roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails.
- A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.
Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.
- Fall Back Move: Models move up to M".
- Units that Fall Back cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn.
- Models can move over enemy models when Falling Back, but you must take Desperate Escape tests for them before they do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY).
- If a Battle-shocked unit is selected to Fall Back, take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Desperate Escape Test: Roll one D6. On a 1-2, one model from that unit is destroyed.
The and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
- Normal Move: Models move up to M".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Advance Move: Models move up to M+D6".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Units that Advance cannot shoot or charge this turn.
Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If for any reason a model cannot meet this condition, that model is destroyed.
- Engagement Range: Within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
The ANATHEMA PSYKANA and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
Specialised disciplines mastered by Custodians over decades if not centuries, each ka’tah equips its practitioner to overmaster any foe in a particular discipline or philosophy. Martial katahs allow the warriors of the Adeptus Custodes to deploy stances, movements, war philosophies and lethal skills that enhance their already terrifying martial prowess and focus it against particular threats.
Each time a unit from your army with this ability is selected to fight, select one of the Ka’tah Stances below. Until that unit has finished making its attacks, the selected Stance is active for it and it gains the relevant ability:Dacatarai Stance Those Custodians skilled in the Dacatarai Ka'tah are able to turn their enemies numerical advantage against them. Reserved for when the Custodians must battle seething hordes of foes, this stance sees them reap a terrible tally Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. |
Rendax Stance Masters of Rendax are superlative monster and war machine hunters. They have studied every aspect of how to do battle with a foe far larger than themselves, how to evade its powerful attacks, exploit its blind spots and lay it low. Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability. |
The SHIELD-CAPTAIN keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
Some weapons are designed to root enemy formations out of entrenched positions.
Weapons with [IGNORES COVER] in their profile are known as Ignores Cover weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.- If a unit has a Starting Strength of 1, then it is said to be Below Half-strength while its remaining number of wounds is less than half of its Wounds characteristic.
- For any other unit, while the number of models in that unit is less than half of its Starting Strength, that unit is said to be Below Half-strength.
When setting objective markers up on the battlefield, place them so they are centred on the point specified by the mission. When measuring distances to and from objective markers, measure to and from the closest part of them. Models can move over objective markers as if they were not there, but they cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
At the start of the battle, each objective marker on the battlefield is said to be contested, and so is not controlled by either player. To control an objective marker, a player will first need to move models within range of it. A model is within range of an objective marker if it is within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically of that objective marker.
Every model has an Objective Control (OC) characteristic listed on its datasheet. To determine a player’s Level of Control over an objective marker, add together the OC characteristics of all the models from that player’s army that are within range of that objective marker. A player will control an objective marker at the end of any phase or turn if their Level of Control over it is greater than their opponent’s. If both players have the same Level of Control over an objective marker, that objective marker is contested.
- A model is within range of an objective marker if within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Level of Control: Add together the OC characteristics of all of a player’s models within range of the objective marker.
- An objective marker is controlled by the player with the highest Level of Control over it (in a tie, it is contested).
- Models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
While a unit is Battle-shocked:
- The Objective Control characteristic of all of its models is 0.
- If it Falls Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Its controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect that unit.
Once you have taken Battle-shock tests for all of your units that require them, your Command phase ends and you progress to your Movement phase.
In this step, if for any reason a unit is forced to take a Battle-shock test for being below its Starting Strength, unless otherwise stated, that unit does not also have to take a Battle-shock test for being Below Half-strength. While a unit is Battle-shocked, all models in that unit are also Battle-shocked.
- Take a Battle-shock test for each unit from your army on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength.
- Roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the unit’s Leadership, the test is passed. Otherwise, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase.
- Battle-shocked units have an OC of 0 and their controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect them.
- Battle-shocked units must take Desperate Escape tests if they Fall Back.
Torrent weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal substances that few foes can hope to evade.
Weapons with [TORRENT] in their profile are known as Torrent weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, that attack automatically hits the target.Some warriors are masters of disguise and concealment.
If every model in a unit has this ability, then each time a ranged attack is made against it, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll.You then make a Charge roll for the charging unit by rolling 2D6. The result is the maximum number of inches each model in that unit can be moved if a Charge move is possible. For a Charge move to be possible, the Charge roll must be sufficient to enable the charging unit to end that move:
- Within Engagement Range of every unit that you selected as a target of the charge.
- Without moving within Engagement Range of any enemy units that were not a target of the charge.
- In Unit Coherency.
- Charge Roll: 2D6".
- Targets of a charge must be within 12" but do not need to be visible.
- If the distance rolled is insufficient to move within Engagement Range of all targets while maintaining Unit Coherency, the charge fails.
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not a target of the charge.
- If the charge is successful, each model makes a Charge move less than or equal to the Charge roll, and must move into base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible.
The Starting Strength of an Attached unit is equal to the combined Starting Strengths of all of its units (i.e. the number of models in the Leader unit added to the number of models in the Bodyguard unit). If either the Leader unit or the Bodyguard unit in an Attached unit is destroyed, the Starting Strength of the remaining unit is changed to be equal to its original Starting Strength.
For the purposes of rules that are triggered when a unit is destroyed, such rules are still triggered when one of the individual units that made up an Attached unit is destroyed (the Leader or the Bodyguard unit).
The EPIC HERO keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
There are ancient devices and weapons within the vaults of the Emperor's Palace that only the Custodians are entrusted with their use.
- You can only select this option if your Crusade force is on an Endeavour. Select one Artefact of the Vaults. That model gains that Artefact of the Vaults until your Crusade force completes its active Imperative or abandons its Endeavour. Your Crusade force can only have one Artefact of the Vaults at any time.
- Remove one Enhancement from that model and replace it with another that it is eligible to have.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 24" of that enemy unit and that would be eligible to shoot if it were your Shooting phase.
EFFECT: If that enemy unit is visible to your unit, your unit can shoot that enemy unit as if it were your Shooting phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target a TITANIC unit with this Stratagem. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 6 is required to score a hit, irrespective of the attacking weapon’s Ballistic Skill or any modifiers. You can only use this Stratagem once per turn.
Many warriors thunder headlong into combat, using the impetus of their charge to bring swift death to their foes.
Each time a unit makes a Charge move, until the end of the turn, that unit has the Fights First ability.TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.
EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
TARGET: One CHARACTER model in your unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, all melee attacks made by that model have the [PRECISION] ability.
You can never re-roll a dice more than once, and re-rolls happen before modifiers (if any) are applied. Rules that refer to the value of an ‘unmodified’ dice roll are referring to the dice result after any re-rolls, but before any modifiers are applied.
- Unmodified Dice: the result after re-rolls, but before any modifiers.
- A dice can never be re-rolled more than once.
- You must re-roll all dice if several need adding together (e.g. 2D6).
- Re-rolls are applied before any modifiers.
TARGET: That unit or model from your army.
EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw. If you are using fast dice rolling, select one of those rolls or saving throws to re-roll.
Some units make their way to battle via tunnelling, teleportation, high-altitude descent or other extraordinary means that allow them to appear suddenly in the thick of the fighting.
During the Declare Battle Formations step, if every model in a unit has this ability, you can set it up in Reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield. If you do, in the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases you can set up this unit anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If a unit with the Deep Strike ability arrives from Strategic Reserves, the controlling player can choose for that unit to be set up either using the rules for Strategic Reserves or using the Deep Strike ability.- Unit can be set up in Reserves instead of on the battlefield.
- Unit can be set up in your Reinforcements step, more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is in Reserves.
EFFECT: Your unit can arrive on the battlefield as if it were the Reinforcements step of your Movement phase, and if every model in that unit has the Deep Strike ability, you can set that unit up as described in the Deep Strike ability (even though it is not your Movement phase).
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem to enable a unit to arrive on the battlefield during a battle round it would not normally be able to do so in.
The INFANTRY keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
The MOUNTED keyword is used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
Some warriors ride to battle atop trusty mounts that gore and trample nearby foes. Others wield combat weapons that deliver a frenzy of additional blows.
Weapons with [EXTRA ATTACKS] in their profile are known as Extra Attacks weapons. Each time the bearer of one or more Extra Attacks weapons fights, it makes attacks with each of the Extra Attacks melee weapons it is equipped with and it makes attacks with one of the melee weapons it is equipped with that does not have the [EXTRA ATTACKS] ability (if any). The number of attacks made with an Extra Attacks weapon cannot be modified by other rules, unless that weapon’s name is explicitly specified in that rule.- The bearer can attack with this weapon in addition to any other weapons it can make attacks with.
Lance weapons are deadly on the charge.
Weapons with [LANCE] in their profile are known as Lance weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if the bearer made a Charge move this turn, add 1 to that attack’s Wound roll.Whether shielded by force fields, enveloped in mystical energies or simply possessed of preternatural senses and lightning-fast reflexes, some warriors are protected by more than mere physical armour.
Some models have an invulnerable save listed on their datasheet. Each time an attack is allocated to a model with an invulnerable save, the controlling player must choose to use either that model’s Save characteristic or its invulnerable save, but not both. If a model has more than one invulnerable save, it can only use one of them – choose which it will use.Unlike armour saving throws (which use a model’s Save characteristic), invulnerable saving throws are never modified by an attack’s Armour Penetration characteristic, but otherwise follow the normal rules for saving throws.
- Invulnerable Save: Never modified by an attack’s AP.
- The controlling player can choose to use either a model’s invulnerable save or its Save characteristic.
A key asset has been deployed. Applied in the right manner, it could turn the tide of the battle.
Certain weapons are the bane of a particular foe.
Weapons with [ANTI-KEYWORD X+] in their profile are known as Anti weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon against a target with the keyword after the word ‘Anti-’, an unmodified Wound roll of ‘x+’ scores a Critical Wound.- [ANTI-KEYWORD X+]: An unmodified Wound roll of ‘x+’ against a target with the matching keyword scores a Critical Wound.
High-explosives can fell several warriors in a single blast, but firing them where your comrades will get caught in the ensuing detonation is simply unwise.
Weapons with [BLAST] in their profile are known as Blast weapons, and they make a random number of attacks. Each time you determine how many attacks are made with a Blast weapon, add 1 to the result for every five models that were in the target unit when you selected it as the target (rounding down). Blast weapons can never be used to make attacks against a unit that is within Engagement Range of one or more units from the attacking model’s army (including its own unit).- Add 1 to the Attacks characteristic for every five models in the target unit (rounding down).
- Can never be used against a target that is within Engagement Range of any units from the attacking model’s army (including its own).
The INFANTRY and SHIELD-CAPTAIN keywords are used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets:
Each time a model makes a Pile-in move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Pile-in Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit (or no models can Pile In).
If a unit can end its Consolidation within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, then each time one of its models makes a Consolidation move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Consolidation Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit if possible.
- If the above is not possible, each model can move towards the closest objective marker, but this must result in the unit being within range of it and in Unit Coherency.
- If the above is also not possible, no models can Consolidate.
The ANATHEMA PSYKANA and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Adeptus Custodes datasheets: