The Adeptus Custodes codex is up for pre-order this Saturday, and it’s chock full of awesome new tactical options to make your elite army even elite-ier.
With new HQ options inbound, there are more ways than ever to lead your Talons of the Emperor in battle. On top of that, you can now upgrade a standard Shield-Captain model to be a Captain-Commander, granting them a host of new abilities that make them even more effective – if you can imagine that.
Each type of Shield-Captain has access to three unique abilities and you, as their commander, can simply pay the points to upgrade them and choose the one you like. This allows you to easily bend your leaders towards certain battlefield roles. Let’s take a look at a few to give you an idea of their potential.
Guardian Captain-Commander
The Adeptus Custodes are an unusually versatile army, and a standard Shield-Captain is an exemplar of that ideal, demonstrating flawless technique to inspire their troops. Martial ka’tah forms further refine the techniques of the Custodes, granting specific enhancements to their already formidable skills.
A Captain-Commander, however, can make nearby units even stronger by eliminating the need to choose from the two stances of a particular ka’tah.
This might not seem like a huge deal at first, but it’s the most expensive points upgrade – and for good reason. Each martial ka’tah forces you to choose between two fantastic stances, often with similar but differing bonuses. Take Salvus, for example. Using Master of the Stances, you can get both of these effects at once.
Mastery of the martial ka’tah forms is crucial to getting the most out of your army, and a Guardian Captain-Commander makes that easier to achieve.
If you prefer your leaders a little more specialised, there are more amazing options to choose from.
Allarus Captain-Commander
The heavy armour of the Allarus Terminators requires a different fighting style, favouring powerful blows that take advantage of their enhanced strength, with the full confidence that their wargear will keep them safe no matter the odds.
This makes them excellent assassins, ploughing through bodyguards and screening troops to get at their true target. Of course, Allarus Terminators are incredibly difficult to take down, especially when you give them this upgrade.
Your enemies will think twice about what they send to take your leader out. Keep in mind that your Allarus Character already has 6 Attacks, so that brings them up to a potential eight per combat round. Add a Misericordia for another attack on top of that. Twist that knife.
Vertus Captain-Commander
If you’re looking for a Warlord who can strike out on their own as well as bolster the troops, a Captain-Commander mounted on a jetbike is probably more your speed.
The Fierce Conqueror ability makes your mounted leader a unit-eraser unto himself, delivering eight Strength 7, -3 AP, Damage 2 attacks to a massive threat bubble given his base 14″ Movement.
If you know you’ll be up against tough targets, consider choosing Tip of the Spear to ensure each strike inflicts grievous damage.
You’ll just about always be charging with a little luck, making a Vertus Captain-Commander an exceptionally reliable hunter.
Adeptus Custodes players will find all kinds of fun new options in the upcoming codex, and Captain-Commanders are one more layer on top of all that. You don’t have long to wait before you can pre-order a copy for yourself. Set a reminder for this Saturday, or sign up for our email newsletter and we’ll send one straight to your inbox.
Inspired to start up an Adeptus Custodes army? Why not pick up a box or two of the wonderfully versatile Custodian Warden kit, which allows you to build your very own Guardian Captain-Commander and his retinue.