The Custodes Vertus Praetors are the Adeptus Custodes’ fast attack specialists, riding Dawneagle jetbikes into battle as heavy cavalry. They range ahead of the main force, scouting and crushing foes with lance charges, and they’re a key part of how the Custodes project speed and power.
What are the Custodes Vertus Praetors?
They’re members of the Adeptus Custodes who trade the standard guardian spear for an Interceptor Lance and a Dawneagle jetbike. Think of them as the Emperor’s own heavy cavalry: they hit hard, move fast, and act as the eyes and shock troops of a Custodes force.
Every Vertus Praetor has already proven themselves in the Custodian Guard, so they’re not raw recruits. They’re master combatants who can pick off targets at speed or cut down armoured foes in a single pass.
Dawneagle jetbikes and wargear
The Dawneagle jetbike is a marvel from the Great Crusade era, almost as big as a light fighter and capable of near-supersonic speeds. Its hull is tough enough to smash through walls and enemy warriors without unseating the rider, and it handles so sharply it can jink through incoming fire.
For firepower, the bike packs hurricane bolters, salvo launchers, and flakkburst missiles, giving the Praetors an answer to infantry and war machines alike. In melee, they wield Interceptor Lances that make their charges devastating.
- Interceptor Lance: a deadly melee weapon for crushing charges.
- Hurricane bolters: rapid-fire anti-infantry firepower.
- Salvo launchers and flakkburst missiles: for taking on vehicles and aircraft.
On the tabletop
In 10th edition, Vertus Praetors are a fast, durable unit with a 12″ move, Toughness 7, 5 wounds each, and a 2+ save (plus a 4+ invulnerable save). They’re great for grabbing objectives, harassing flanks, or delivering a punch where it hurts.
Their Turbo-boost ability lets them add 6″ to their move when they Advance, and Quicksilver Execution lets them once per battle deal mortal wounds to an enemy unit they move over. You can kit them with either salvo launchers or hurricane bolters, depending on what you need them to kill.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Move | 12″ |
| Toughness | 7 |
| Save | 2+ (4+ invulnerable) |
| Wounds | 5 |
| Leadership | 6+ |
| Objective Control | 2 |
How they fit into Custodes lore
Vertus Praetors mirror the heavy cavalry used by human armies since ancient times, but with far more advanced technology. They’re the fast arm of the Custodes, often seen ranging ahead of the main body to scout and disrupt the enemy.
They’re not a lone unit; they’re part of a wider Custodes arsenal that includes the Agamatus Jetbike Squadron and the Venatari. Together, these fast attack options give the Custodes the mobility they need to respond to threats across the galaxy.
Key facts
- Vertus Praetors are the Adeptus Custodes’ fast attack specialists.
- They ride Dawneagle jetbikes, which are fast, durable, and heavily armed.
- Their main melee weapon is the Interceptor Lance, perfect for charges.
- They can be equipped with either salvo launchers or hurricane bolters.
- In 10th edition, they have a 12″ move, Toughness 7, 5 wounds, and a 2+ save.
- They’re often used for scouting, flanking, and objective grabbing.
FAQ
What are Vertus Praetors?
They’re Adeptus Custodes fast attack troops who ride Dawneagle jetbikes into battle, acting as heavy cavalry and scouts.
What weapons do they use?
They carry Interceptor Lances in melee, and their bikes mount hurricane bolters, salvo launchers, and flakkburst missiles.
How do they play in 10th edition?
They’re fast, tough, and hit hard, with abilities like Turbo-boost and Quicksilver Execution. You can equip them for anti-infantry or anti-vehicle duties.