Iron Hearts Shield Host

Iron Hearts Custodian

The **Iron Hearts Shield Host** was founded after the fall of Cadia during the lamentable 13th Black Crusade, this formation of the Adeptus Custodes - the Emperor's elite, personal bodyguard - were one of the first to step outside of Terra to march to war. A collection of like-minded individuals, for far too long had the Custodes remained on Terra and let the Imperium wither. The ideals of what the Emperor once held was now up to the Custodes to pick up once more. For a glorious and prosperous future for humanity.

This Shield Host views themselves both as warriors and diplomats. They are the binding element between myriad of different Imperial forces. The Shield Host makes their presence known, and ensures their allies know that the Emperor is with them. Though they care little for the lives lost, if a million must die it is so countless more can live. In addition to this, the Noctis Aeterna displayed a severe flaw on Terra itself. It may not be a defining battle that breaks the Imperial Palace, but the continued strain of a broken and isolated world. Thus, by ensuring the continued survival of the Imperium, they ensure the continued survival of the Golden Throne.

## History

### Era of Baleful Premonitions

Under the leadership of Captain General Trajann Valoris, the Adeptus Custodes enjoy their most proactive age since the fall of Goge Vandire.They strike out across the galaxy in covert operations, with the ultimate goal of protecting Terra. Know then, that the first records concerning Shield Captain Aeskadin and what is to become the Iron Hearts Shield host, is traced back to their deployment on the world of Gavara. The world had been subject to a Genestealer Cult uprising, and so they deployed in an attempt to avert the gaze of Hive Fleet Leviathan.

The opening stages of the battle were a slog, where the Sodality scoured Hive Cities for the Patriarch, however were hard pressed on all sides. Realizing the Custodians were too few while standing alone, they made efforts to oversee what resistance the world had left. Rallying the PDF and Astra Millitarum forces, coordinating and inspiring them with their presence. Eventually turning the tide, and in the end Shield Captain Aeskadin slew the Patriarch personally, with the aid of the Astra Militarum to cull it’s closest guards. With the death of the leadership the world was saved, if ravaged by war.

Upon their return to Terra the Sodality sought to convene with Shield Captain Halcyon regarding the current situation of the world. Outside the Imperial Palace, riots and turbulence were becoming ever more frequent. Beyond, Cadia was still embroiled in the conflict of the 13th Black Crusade.. Though such mattered little, no Custodian that was to become part of the Iron Hearts Shield Host doubted in these hours. They remained firm and true, ever vigilant upon the walls of the Palace and within the most sacred sanctums. That is, until the Noctis Aeterna. Within all Custodians their helmet visors flickered, and signal runes flared to life. Before long, klaxons not heard since the Heresy was going off. It was then that the Iron Hearts Shield Host gathered fully for the first time, though still lacking the name. Cadia had fallen, His realm had been split, and the Astronomican had fallen. The reaction among the Adeptus Custodes, was a wide range of emotion, shock and even rage was tangible.

Their duty and purpose was clear, to guard the Imperial Palace through the Noctis Aeterna. Manning the walls, they watched as Terra was engulfed in civil unrest, with each passing day more pyres stretched for the sky. Small excursions were sent beyond to quell that which may threaten the palace, but in accordance with the doctrines applied at the time they consolidated what they had within. While Aeskadin’s chambers spread out over the walls, he withdrew into the heart of the Imperial Palace, aiding in the logistical nightmare quickly building up. A yearning settled in then, a desire to brandish his spear. To use superior physiology, and to stand with his Chamber at the frontlines. Within the month, that desire would be answered.

Beyond the walls, eight daemonic cohorts of Khorne mannifested. Led by eight Bloodthirsters, they rampaged across a marred Terra. To meet them, a force not seen for ten thousand years, the Ten Thousand had been issued for war and sallied out to meet the crimson tide. Aeskadin and his chambers needed no encouragement, if not for the dire situation it had almost been awe inspiring to march again. The Custodian Guards were up first, bolters roaring before Guardian Spears rent the daemons. Behind them lumbered their fallen brothers, in ancient machines towering over all but the greatest of daemons. Machines not used since the days of the Horus Heresy were roused from ten millennia old slumber.

Overhead flew Halcyon and his Vertus Praetors, and the Sisters of Silence were quick to throw in their support. Filling in any gaps left by the Custodians, their auras reduced the daemons strength. Despite not having officially fought together for ten millennia, they locked together instinctually. Victory was assured that day, bought with the lives of two thousand Custodes and unnumbered Sisters. A heavy toll, that only bolstered the gnawing rage swelling within their ranks. It did not take much to convince the Shield Host to assemble, and fight under Guilliman’s Indomitus Crusade.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Purge of Gavara (Unknown Date.M41)** - Shield-Captain Aeskadin led his sodality to help exterminate a Genestealer cult having been established within Segmentum Solar. The Sodality initially attempted to hunt for the Patriarch and the leadership, however could not combat the Genestealers head on. Numbers alone made it infeasible, so the Shield Captain turned to the defenders of the world. Rallying what little defenses the world still had left. In the end, Aeskadin personally slew the Patriarch of the cult, and laid the foundation for what was to become the Shield Host's operational doctrine.
* **Battle of Lion's Gate (001.M42)** - By all accounts a terrible and yet awe-inspiring battle all at once. In ten millennia no such host had gathered, no less than four thousand Custodes had gathered. Nor had such staggering losses been taken either, since the days of the Secret War. The Gilded Blades Shield Company gathered, and pushed out on the right flank, screened by the Sisters of Silence. Their bolters roared through the Custodes ranks, and their blades filled any gaps that may have been created. The Sisters of Silence and Adeptus Custodes fought together, as if they had never been apart. Before long, the Night's Eye Shield Company began appearing. Vertus Praetors rushed to the frontlines, and Allarus Terminators began teleporting down in hunter killer cadres to hit critical locations of the gathered Daemonhost.

## Shield Host Organization

*The Iron Hearts Shield Host* is assembled from the Gilded Blades and the Night's Eye Shield Companies, the Gilded Blades standing at the fore as stalwart defenders and relentless attackers. While the Night's Eye moves in the shadows, operating and complimenting the main bulwark with lightning strikes and flanking. Shield Captain Aeskadin of the Gilded Blades assuming overall command of the Iron Hearts Shield Host. He is eager to defend His realm, and to give the enemies of Man no quarter is fitting for an age such as this. Halcyon of the Night's Eye Shield Company has his focus elsewhere, having worked up a large network of Eyes of the Emperor, tactical prowess, and veterancy has made him Shield Captain Aeskadin's most trusted confidant.

The Shield Host is accompanied by a cadre of the Sisters of Silence,the Crimson Claws, under the leadership of Knight-Centura Cathena Kyre. Though they are separate in terms of organization, and not part of the Shield Host, they remain steadfast by the Custodes side. In addition to these forces, the Iron Hearts Shield Host are often accompanied by diplomats and others, picked up in more local parts of the Imperium for the specific task at hand. These will often serve as advisors, and make sure that when the Custodes apply their doctrine of welding different formations together it all goes smoothly.

When the Shield Host deploys for war, they do so with all the knowledge they can accumulate. Reviewing the records of both friend and foe alike, from the overall commander to the individual captains if such is available. They offer their advice and suggest strategies for any who’d listen, but never goes beyond to assume the role of leadership for their own. They understand the weight of their words, and believe in showing restraint when interacting with mortals. It is not their place to lead and they will not always be there to be relied upon.

## Order of battle

Unlike the ranks of Adeptus Astartes and Astra Militarum, the Adeptus Custodes do not have a fixed order of battle or command structure, however they employ a rather loose formation of casts and Chambers that denote their specialization.

**Shield Companies**

* **Gilded Blades** - The bulwark and the spear of the Shield Host, dedicating themselves to breaking the enemy in a decisive push. They’re not subtle in their ways of war, but their intentions may be more deceptive. They wish to inspire confidence in the wider Imperium and the Imperial forces, spreading out as spearheads for surgical strikes.
* **Nights Eye** - If the Gilded Blades are the spear, then the Nights Eye is the unseen dagger. Appearing out of the dark to slay their foes, and just as quickly vanishing again. They are hunter cadres sent after the enemy, targeting enemy commanders and champions. Their Vertus Praetors soar quickly, to pick off scores of infantry or vital armored targets.

### Formations

* **Custodian Guard** - The baseline and largest caste of the Adeptus Custodes, they are a versatile force capable of taking on any assignment that is asked of them. Their signature weapon is the flexible Guardian Spear, which can be used up close and at range. They may also use Sentinel Blades paired with Storm Shields, lacking the ranged firepower they instead excel as a mobile bulwark.

* **Sagittarum Guard** - These Custodians have dedicated themselves to the art of ranged combat, renowned for their prowess as stalwart guardians upon the walls of the Imperial Palace. Utilizing an ancient pattern of adrathic weaponry, hailing from the mysterious Age of Strife. Unleashing beams of raw energy that utterly disintegrate the target, leaving little of them ever existing.

* **Custodes Wardens** - One step above the Custodian Guard are the Custodian Wardens, who have donned crimson robes that mark their veterancy. Each has at least five centuries of service and each swears a personal oath, to which failure to uphold is a fate worse than death. They are peerless warriors without equal, to whom patience is the ultimate virtue.

* **Vexilus Praetors** - The Ten Thousand are only afforded the very equipment the Imperium can muster, and so their banners are no different. They vexilla themselves are glittering standards raised to the sky, besides inspiring they also feed the Custodes and their allies strategic information. It is for because of this the Vexilus Praetor’s are held in a high regard, even more so within the Iron Hearts shield host, utilized to their fullest to inspire armies of Regiments, Space Marines, and the myriad of other forces of the Imperium who’d look for the Emperors guiding light.

* **Terminators** - The elites of the Adeptus Custodes, deployed in high intensity combat and favored for their durability. They come with a wide array of weaponry, clad in armors like the Allarus and the Aquilon. They stand out amongst the other castes, for their ability to teleport directly into battle. For this reason, they make up a sizable force of the Gilded Blades.

* **Vertus Praetors** - Hunters without equal, the Vertus Praetors streak across battlefields atop Dawneagle Jetbikes. Wielding the Interceptor Lances which they strike with deadly precision up close, while the bikes are also equipped with ranged firepower with Hurricane Bolters and Salvo Launchers. They are favored by the Night’s Eye, for their ability to swiftly move across the battlefield to eliminate key targets.

* **Ventari** - Known as the Emperor’s Hunting Eagles, these Custodes take to the sky in advanced jump packs. Known for their predatory instincts, they leap from spires and rooftops. Able to fire at enemies from afar with advanced archeotech pistols, or get into close combat with specially equipped lances.

* **Dreadnoughts** - Also known as the revered fallen that march into battle, nigh impervious and equipped with a wide array of heavy weaponry. They are afforded the finest patterns, from the ever reliable Contemptor to the hulking Telemon. Favored by the Gilded Blades for sustainability, found at the heart of any battle.

* **Apothecary** - Apothecaries are a rare sight within any formation of the ten thousand, but they are a necessity. They are brothers who have received medical education and training, allowing them to tend to their own brothers. While still retaining and joining them in the field of battle. In addition to this, they are adept at undertaking autopsies to help the Custodes or the Imperium at large.

### Vehicles

* **Venerable Land Raiders** - Among the most ancient and venerable war machines in the Imperium, it is fitting the finest warriors stride into battle in them. With thick adamantium plating very little can penetrate it, while unleashing devastating attacks of it’s own with twin-lascannons. When finally the prow opens, the disembarking Custodians can hurl themselves straight into the fray.

* **Caladius Grav-Tank** - When the Adeptus Custodes bring to bear their heaviest weapons, it is the Caladius that is deployed. Utilising systems and technology derived not only from the Dark Age of Technology, but made as a result of the Great Crusade’s two centuries of warfare. They are well protected and highly maneuverable, yet with the twin archanus cannon no armor in a similar class can compare to the firepower it brings.

* **Pallas Grav-Attack** - While it has a similar battlefield role to the various patterns of the Land Speeder of the Adeptus Astartes, the Pallas still comes with improvements and advanced technology. They come with superior agility and armor, as well as shielding technology.

* **Corvus Grav-Carrier** - This protected anti-grav transport provides them with a speed and agility unmatched by the grinding armor of others, allowing the Adeptus Custodes to rapidly deploy into range of terrain or the enemy, while reducing the risk of being pinned down by enemy forces. While also offering some rudimentary covering fire with a twin-linked Lastrum bolt cannon and an Archanus cannon.

* **Ares Gunship** - The Ares is an agile gunship, swiftly advancing across the battlefield or hovering over in place. As with everything in their armory, it utilizes advanced technology, packing its own type pattern of Eclipse Shields. As for it’s weaponry it has two archanus cannons, and capable of dropping infernus bombs upon the enemies of man from high above.

* **Orion Assault Dropship** - A dedicated assault dropship for the Adeptus Custodes, it’s capable of carrying an entire task-force of Adeptus Custodes. Protected by frontal armour superior to that of the Legiones Astartes Thunderhawk Gunship, its Arachnus heavy blaze cannon and Lastrum bolt cannon can swiftly clear a landing zone of hostile infantry and armour with brutal efficiency, allowing the units within to deploy before it soars back into the sky to unleash death upon any foe who dares approach.

## Combat Doctrine

Like all Adeptus Custodes, the Iron Heart Shield Host does not employ a singular strategy or combat doctrine, but rather fight as individuals. Every Custodian of the Shield Host places trust in their brothers, ensuring that despite the lack of tight nit formations they leave no gaps for the enemy to exploit. They move systematically together, although operate in a calm silence as their flurry of blows and ranged fire hose down the enemy. Their most notable deviation from their brethren is their use of Vexilus Praetors, utilizing their inspiring presence to command awe into allied forces. Seeking to establish cohesion between units, indeed entire factions within the Imperium of Man. Because of this, the Shield Host rarely fights alone. Acting as the vanguard in larger formations.

As the spearhead of others, they will hunt enemy commanders and make examples of them, to allies and enemies alike. Often raising a trophy high, to ensure it is within sight of all on the battlefield. All in an effort to further turn the tide of battle in their favor. Of course, this strategy does not work against all foes, it is carefully considered and applied as it endangers the Custodians performing it. All this is not to say that the Shield Host do not deploy alone, as they are still a formidable force in their own right. The Vexilus Praetor resumes the normal doctrine without the presence of allies. And though the Shield Host may hunt enemy commanders and champions still, it becomes merely to decrease the enemy morale.

## Sisters of Silence

After the Noctis Aeterna and the second Battle of Lion's Gate, upon the dissolution of the Edict of Restrain, the Iron Hearts Shield Host is supported by a Cadre of the Sisters of Silence. They use their mobility and nimble frames to support and remain close to the Adeptus Custodes, but never surpassing. Letting the golden warriors take the brunt of the force. This does not mean that they can not operate alone however, as detachments of the Cadre are often deployed on their own to hunt psykers if found among the enemy.

The Sisters find a certain comradery in the Custodians, who are able to look them in the eye and show no discomfort around them as most mortals do. However the relationship is not perfect, as many of the Sisters have resentment for their unofficial disbandment since the days of the Heresy. The two formations also have a tendency of rather seeking the company of their own, rather than the other. Fortunately for both, in battle the two work symbiotically.

Even within their own ranks there is division, as the Sisters come from across the galaxy, from different covens or service on board the Black Ships. Knight-Centura Cathena Kyre has taken steps to eliminate such, and with determination she has become a rallying point for them. The Sisters have known hardship and separation, but never again. The Cadre step forward, intent on not being forgotten again.

## Notable members

* **Shield Captain Aeskadin** - Relatively young for a Shield Captain, Aeskadin has proved his worth leading sorties in the stars beyond Terra. Known for his bellicose and aggressive nature, a tactical commander and skilled warrior leading from the front. Though he is young and stubborn, with a tendency to bite off more than he can chew. Furthermore, he lacks the diplomatic finesse of his brethren, far too prideful to ask for assistance till it may very well be too late. As part of the Hykanatoi, he strides into battle equipped with a guardian spear, striding on foot alongside the majority of Iron Hearts. Always seeking out the center of battle, and the toughest of foes.

* **Shield Captain Halcyon** - Leader of the Night's Eye Shield Company, Halcyon soars over battlefields atop his Dawneagle Jetbike, akin to a gallant knight of old. He is most often quiet and reclusive, rarely using words when it is not required of him. He is analytical and perceptive, able to read the ebbs and flows of the battle to lead his hit and run-oriented shield host. Still, he endeavors to ever improve upon himself, to a damaging degree. Never content, and retains a deep anxiety or even fear of failure.

* **Vexillus Praetor Icarion** - One of the oldest in the Shield Host, Vexilus Praetor Icarion has stood with Shield Captain Aeskadin since the Purge of Gavara, already then a veteran member of the Adeptus Custodes. Renowned for his intellect and tactical prowess, well versed in the doctrines of the Astra Militarum regiments and even Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes. A large part of the success of the Shield Host, can be pinned upon Icarion, and his wealth of knowledge. Within the Iron Heart, he is not the sole Vexilus Praetor, among them all he is the one that embodies the virtues of one. An inspiration to all.

* **Moritoi Lytanus** - In life, Lytanus was a brilliant Custodian, embodying how the Custodes view themselves. He was indeed a skilled warrior, but a respected philosopher and scholar. Known for having been part of the Emmissaries Imperatus, honing his craft as a skilled diplomat. A shame then, that during an ancient battle he was to be felled. Interred within the sarcophagus of a Telemon Heavy Dreadnought, this powerful ancient is now only awoken in times of war. A shadow of his former self, no longer able to partake in what he was once renowned for. He has grown bitter, hunting the enemies of man with an unbridled aggression.

* **Knight-Centura Sister Cathena Kyre** - Leader of the Crimson Claws Cadre, of the Sisters of Silence. She was part of a coven far beyond the Solar Segmentum, but was brought back to Terra in secrecy thanks to the orders of Captain-General Trajann Valoris. Now she stands as the commander of the Crimson Claws Cadre, an uncompromising leader and savage warrior. In her there is a ferocity that the Custodes lack, something that has come into conflict but also earned their respect. Her ire is able to rouse the Shield Host to action, and serves as a reminder of what has been lost since the days of the Great Crusade.

* **Captain Charles Balker** - Liaison from the Imperial Navy, Balker acts as the Spear of Helios' Captain. Daring and tenacius, he is respected for his dominating and decisive way of leadership. If only to have a reputation for quickly bringing to bear the full might of the vessel he commands, and a near arrogant boldness for plunging into danger. Due to his stalwart nature, he has on occasion gone against the orders of the Custodes, if he believes he can turn the tide of battle. In him, Shield Captain Aeskadin has found something akin to a friendship, intrigued by the human's mortal tenacity, in spite of the repercussions that could follow.

## Fleet

* ***Spear of Helios* (Cruiser)** - The Spear of Helios is a cruiser that has been preserved since the day of the Great Crusade, assigned to Brother Aeskadin upon his ascension to the rank of Shield Captain. The ship itself is a nimble cruiser. For although it boasts impressive firepower, its main features are speed and advanced sensor arrays. Though by far it’s most deadly weapon, is the ability to deploy the Custodes and their vehicles, as well as the Godstrike Pattern Teleportariums. The ship has rarely seen action, for many millennia it was stationary in orbit around Terra. Only a handful of times did it travel beyond, deploying Custodes. Yet since the dissolution of the Edict of Restraint entering the Era of Unrelenting Aggression, it has seen more action within a year than it has since the end of the Horus Heresy.

## Shield Host Appearance

The Iron Hearts Shield Host adorns themselves in the typical golden armor of the Adeptus Custodes. Wearing the red plumes of old, from before the first Battle of Terra. However, their left Pauldron remains black, a stark reminder of their failure. Symbolising that though they have forgiven themselves, they have not forgotten.

## Relations

### Allies

* **Octarion Triumvirate** - The Knight Crusader known as the Avenging Hunter, piloted by Sir Achyre once served the Octarion Triumvirate faithfully. Until the Houses of Octarion failed to answer Cadia's call to arms, distraught that the lords of Ocatiron refused, the Knight took up the Freeblade oath to set off alone. Writing the wrongs of his House, but as he set off a tide of Chaos swept across the galaxy. Now he is forever haunted by the failure of his House, taking the fall of the Cadian gate upon his own shoulders. When finally Imperial reinforcements braved into the Dark Imperium, it was a part of the Indomitus Crusade with the Iron Hearts as the gilded speartip. They have since reached a strange accord, forever haunted by their perceived failings and ever striving to protect what remains of His realm.

### Enemies

* **Necron Dynasty of Numeron** - The Necron Dynasty is among the more isolationists one, seeking only to maintain their realm throughout the wars of secession in the ancient times. However, with the arrival of the C’tan, they fought together with the Nightbringer and came to realize the terror of them, and by extension all gods. Now, they have awoken once more, their first target has become the Imperium. They see it as the source of the corruption that now feeds numerous gods within the galaxy.

* **Golden Reavers** - The Golden Reavers is a warband of the Emperors Children Legion, who terrorize the Imperium with rapid assaults. Raiding and pillaging, before going on the war-path against the Imperium. The Warband despite their origins have for the most part been able to curtail the worst excesses their brethren so willingly give in to. This is in large part due to their leader, an enigmatic chracater who brooks no failure.