To mark the release of the upcoming Legio Custodes boxed set, we called on painters from across the community to produce some miniature works of art worthy of the Emperor’s elite guardians.
Here’s just a selection of the responses we received, showing a host of different colour schemes, including classic gold, sinister black, bold blue, and more.
Custodian Guard
Our glorious gallery begins with the iconic Custodian Guard – the mighty warriors who wield the Legio’s signature guardian spears in defence of the Emperor’s interests. Though often draped in gleaming gold, they’ve been known to jazz up their ornate armour with all sorts of colours, which these painters took to with great enthusiasm.
Sentinel Guards
For more solidly defensive roles, Custodians can carry praesidium shields and sentinel warblades, which give them a bit more oomph in protracted melees. The shields in particular were a popular focal point for painters, who came up with different ways to pick out the fine details and filigree.
Caladius Annihilator Grav-tank
The smooth panels and curved lines of the Caladius grav-tank are the perfect canvas for some of the intricate transfers included in the kit. In particular, the marbled effect on Colin’s tank is a great example of what you can pull off. Since the Legio Custodes are already dripping with ornamentation, it’s entirely on brand to go the extra mile on these vehicles.
Contemptor Dreadnoughts
The Contemptor-Achillus (armed with the dreadspear) and Contemptor-Galatus (armed with the warblade and gravis praesidium shield) Dreadnoughts are the epitome of the Custodian aesthetic – tall, ornate, and intimidating. They’re a great showcase for both the classic gold and alternate colour schemes, and will have an unmatched presence* among the rest of your army.
Shield Captain
Now, if there’s one miniature in the Legio Custodes Battle Group boxed set that can show off the gleaming energy of the Emperor’s chosen bodyguards, it’s the Shield Captain. Our painters showed off a huge variety of schemes, everything from deep black to shining, brightest gold. You’ll also see a number of especially incredible swords demonstrating just how good some expertly blended metals can look.
A host worthy of service to the Emperor, we’re sure you’ll agree. Many thanks to all the painters who sent us their photographs – we were inundated with submissions, we couldn’t fit them all in!
You can join the Ten Thousand yourself when the Legio Custodes Battle Group goes up for pre-order this weekend, or you can ally the shiny new warriors with an existing Loyalist force. If you’re still brewing ideas for how you’ll paint yours, make sure to check this week’s episode of Ultimate Paint-Off on Warhammer TV for some great drybrushing tips, and browse all of the tutorials for metals and other rich colours on the Warhammer Colour app.
* What some in M3 might call ‘+10,000 aura’.
