The Elite Guardians: Adeptus Custodes' Dreadnoughts

The Adeptus Custodes, the elite guardians of the Emperor of Mankind in the Warhammer 40000 universe, possess a limited number of Dreadnoughts. While the exact number is not specified in the lore, it is known that they maintain a small cadre of these powerful war machines primarily for the most honored and revered of their fallen warriors.

Conservative Use of Dreadnought Technology

Most of the Dreadnoughts within the Adeptus Custodes are indeed from the Horus Heresy era. This is due to their more conservative approach to using Dreadnought technology compared to other Space Marine Chapters. As guardians of the Imperial Palace, the Custodes have a tendency to preserve their forces and rely on living Custodes for defense, using Dreadnoughts only when absolutely necessary. This reflects their focus on preserving their elite warriors.

It is important to note that the Custodes are characterized by their physical resilience. After the war in the Webway, there was a desperate shortage of chassis for Dreadnoughts, resulting in the loss of thousands of Custodes who could not be interred. Although they have likely acquired more chassis in the intervening centuries, the Custodes rarely become so damaged that they cannot heal or are killed in combat.

Scarce but Valuable

According to sources from Games Workshop (GW) and Forge World, there are "few" or "very few" Custodes Dreadnoughts. This aligns with the Custodes' nature as physically resilient warriors, protected by superior armor and psychic wards. It is extremely rare for a Custodes to be so badly injured that they require installation in a Dreadnought to continue their service. All existing Custodes Dreadnoughts were constructed during the Great Crusade and embody technologies that cannot be reproduced in the 41st millennium.

Historical Context and Potential Survivors

While the exact number of Custodes Dreadnoughts is not detailed, it is possible that some Dreadnoughts from the Horus Heresy era still exist. This is considering that Bjorn, a Custodes, is still alive. It would be a logical conclusion to assume that there are Dreadnoughts from the Custodes present on Terra, as they have not been significantly engaged in combat until recent times.

For completeness, let us explore the historical context further. The Adeptus Custodes were established in the early days of the Great Crusade to serve as protectors of the Emperor and the Imperial Palace. Their primary mission was to ensure the safety and continuity of the Imperial governance. As such, their use of Dreadnoughts is a testament to their importance and the high value placed on their lives.

Conclusion

The Adeptus Custodes' limited number of Dreadnoughts reflects their strategic approach to maintaining elite warriors. Most of these Dreadnoughts are from the Horus Heresy era, underscoring the Custodes' focus on preserving their legacy and the technologies that embody it. The scarcity of Custodes Dreadnoughts is a reflection of their extraordinary resilience and the superior protection they receive. While the exact number is not detailed, the Custodes' Dreadnoughts remain a significant and invaluable testament to their enduring legacy in the Warhammer 40000 universe.