Custodes Shield Host Traits?

[BaconCouch]

Saw this topic on another forum, and thought it could be a fun thought exercise.

The current trajectory is that a lot of armies might be getting some kind of buffs to help keep some parity with the increasingly powerful space marines, who are rumored to be getting cheaper in CA2019.

That being said, if Custodes got a 'Shield Host' buff, similar to a Chapter buff, what might you want to see? I tried to stick to canonical shield hosts, and what they tend to be known for. They would retain their current buffs from the codex for being battle forged.

 

Solar Watch - The Crusading Host - Add +1 to the number of attacks models from this shield host have when charging or being charged. Add +2 inches to consolidation and heroic intervention ranges.

 

The Shadowkeepers - The Unseen Blades - Units of this Shield Host ignore cover with ranged weapons, and count as being in cover if outside 12" inches. 

 

Aquilon Shield - The Shield of Terra - Units of this Shield Host may advance, and treat any weapons they wield as assault weapons, and may fall back from combat, and shoot at a -1 to hit.

 

The Dread Host - Rapid Response - Units of this Shield Host may advance and still charge, and always strike first, unless an enemy unit has a similar ability, in which case, alternate units. 

 

The Gilded Fist - Indomitable Host - Terminator Units of this Shield Host may roll 3d6 to charge on a turn they deep strike, and have a 5+ Feel No Pain.

Edited November 23, 2019 by BaconCouch

[dice4thedicegod]

I feel that shock assault and bolter discipline are kinda needed on Custodes now, just so marines don’t seem more skilled.

[Shield-Captain]

I'd rather they not get dedicated "Shield Host" rule like chapter tactics for specific chapters but something more like the customizable ones that marines and eldar got. I just feel like it would better represent the mutability of the hosts in the fluff. But I would like to see them get some significant points changes and maybe an extra attack on their profile. Also a new HQ unit and a better way to integrate Sisters of Silence. Not a fan of them getting all the space marines rules though. They aren't space marines. Edited November 24, 2019 by Shield-Captain

[Hellex_The_Thanatar]

Custodes all have the same training we just need things integrated better.

 

Talons of the emperor on sisters. No penalty for taking assassins.

 

Command points generated differently or a different less restrictive force org.

 

 

Also having a unique deep strike for the army would make sense too.

[rcoon]

That we do not have something akin to 'Ere We Go or the Shock Assault rules that SM have has always dumbfounded me. We are supposed to be a primarily melee orientated army, but getting in melee in the current meta as Custodes is the stuff of nightmares. Custodes ITC lists are effectively now gunlines with ZERO melee whatsoever. I'd like to see something to address that. I'd also like to know where players should submit their complaints en mass to GW in order to further drive the point that we're in a bit of a crap position, and how ridiculous their nerf of the Telemon was.

[Hellex_The_Thanatar]

That we do not have something akin to 'Ere We Go or the Shock Assault rules that SM have has always dumbfounded me. We are supposed to be a primarily melee orientated army, but getting in melee in the current meta as Custodes is the stuff of nightmares. Custodes ITC lists are effectively now gunlines with ZERO melee whatsoever. I'd like to see something to address that. I'd also like to know where players should submit their complaints en mass to GW in order to further drive the point that we're in a bit of a crap position, and how ridiculous their nerf of the Telemon was.

That does blow my mind. So does a few other things:

 

By all accounts custodes also don't have a concept of fear. Yet we are more susceptible to failing leadership than Marines. Also a single custodes can be worth upwards of...4 Marines now?

 

 

I would love a bonus to charges but would also love horde mitigation... Extra attack for every model in base to base? That sounds too brutal maybe. Hmm.

[Charlo]

I'd much prefer just *more* basic faction wide rules than limiting ones behind sub-factions.

 

Custodes are so small anyway that it wouldn't be too beneficial.

 

However some Stratagems or upgrades for units on an individual basis to make them part of different hosts... That could be cool.

[Slasher956]

..Talons of the Emperor formations only... change all none battalion /brigade formations to +3 CP

teleport attack - may teleport next to an enemy unit and make a single CC attack

 

Custodes in general :

add +1 attack in the first round of combat

add natural 6s generate additional hits in combat,

never hit worse than a 3+ in combat

units do not lose models to moral but take additional hits if in combat (at S & aP = to majority of attacking models)

 

mixed units - up to 50% of power armoured units may be SoS models instead of Custodes ...ie in a 6 man unit you can have 3 custodes & 3 SoS'

[Hellex_The_Thanatar]

..Talons of the Emperor formations only... change all none battalion /brigade formations to +3 CP

teleport attack - may teleport next to an enemy unit and make a single CC attack

 

Custodes in general :

add +1 attack in the first round of combat

add natural 6s generate additional hits in combat,

never hit worse than a 3+ in combat

units do not lose models to moral but take additional hits if in combat (at S & aP = to majority of attacking models)

 

mixed units - up to 50% of power armoured units may be SoS models instead of Custodes ...ie in a 6 man unit you can have 3 custodes & 3 SoS'

Hard pass on the mix units. That's a can of worms from 7th I would never want again.

 

Would rather sisters get an invul save if within 3” of custodes unit to represent them protecting them?

 

That could be the talons trait if sisters got talons keyword.

[Slasher956]

 

..Talons of the Emperor formations only... change all none battalion /brigade formations to +3 CP

teleport attack - may teleport next to an enemy unit and make a single CC attack

 

Custodes in general :

add +1 attack in the first round of combat

add natural 6s generate additional hits in combat,

never hit worse than a 3+ in combat

units do not lose models to moral but take additional hits if in combat (at S & aP = to majority of attacking models)

 

mixed units - up to 50% of power armoured units may be SoS models instead of Custodes ...ie in a 6 man unit you can have 3 custodes & 3 SoS'

Hard pass on the mix units. That's a can of worms from 7th I would never want again.

 

Would rather sisters get an invul save if within 3” of custodes unit to represent them protecting them?

 

That could be the talons trait if sisters got talons keyword.

 

 

 

Mixed units in 8th - DeathWatch, which is why I'd put it in for Talons formations.... or revist the deathwatch vets and remove bikes & terminators as options!  

 

Another way of showing the close working of the two organisations is to give Power armoured Custodeos a bodyguard (SoS) rule

[Hellex_The_Thanatar]

Wow I did forget about deathwatch existing to be honest lol. I never see them.

[TorvaldTheMild]

Custodes are far more flexible and independent than SM's so I'd give them two choices to pick from for the Chapter tactics:


TACTICAL
They get a shooting buff that makes all rapid fire weapons rapid fire 2 or they get re-rolls of ones to hit

ASSAULT 
They get a melee buff of either re-rolls of ones for hits or plus 2 attacks for misericordias if there are more than 5 models in the unit you are attacking.

HEAVY
Re-rolls of wounds or every heavy weapon that is fired adds a mortal wound to the damage on a 3+

FAST
Dawneagles can advance and shoot as if they hadn't advanced or Jinx, which you take away -1 from hit rolls that are directed at you.