Adeptus Custodes
From Lexicanum
The Adeptus Custodes (also The Emperor's Guard, Legio Custodes or Custodians) are the guardians of the Imperial Palace and the Golden Throne, as well as being the personal bodyguard to the Emperor. A small elite of three hundred Custodes, known as the Companions, form the Emperor's personal bodyguard and never leave his side. Due to the vast size of the Imperial Palace, the Custodes always act as a defensive army, although technically they should never see action unless Terra or the Imperial palace is invaded1. It is the Adeptus Custodes that decide who may enter the throne room of the Emperor, and when.
The Custodes is a department of the Adeptus Terra, the Imperial government, but its members are answerable only to the Emperor and their own leaders.
The organization's leader carries the title of Captain-General, and due to the importance of the Adeptus Custodes he often holds a position in the Senate of the High Lords of Terra1.
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Appearance
The traditional color of the Custodes is black - in pre-Heresy times it was red.
The weapons carried by the Custodes resemble spears or halberds, but incorporate bolt weapons, and are built to resemble the traditional and symbolic guardian spear, which has long been associated with the Custodes2.
History
There is no set date for the inception of the Adeptus Custodes, but it is known that they have been active since before the Great Crusade. It was from the Emperor's original group of bodyguards that the first genetically enhanced warriors, superior to all other space marines, were created during the unification wars on Terra.
During the Great Crusade, the Custodes always kept a contingent with the Emperor for his protection, but also travelled individually as envoys. Since the Emperor's internment in the Golden Throne, the Adeptus Custodes have taken a more limited role as protectors of the Imperial Palace.
During the Age of Apostasy, the Adeptus Custodes reemerged briefly during the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace of Terra in the reign of Goge Vandire. During this time, the Custodes attempted to make their way towards Vandire, halted only by Brides of the Emperor whom Vandire had convinced into becoming his personal bodyguards. After a long and fruitless discussion, the Custodes convinced the leader of the Brides, Alicia Dominica, to return with them to the presence of the Emperor. What happened during that moment is unknown, but the effects resulted in the Brides of the Emperor rebelling against Vandire, ending his reign once and for all.
Known Custodes
Images
 Terminator armoured Custodes |
 Custodian Dreadnought |
 Custodes with Guardian Spear |
