Skills6

Aegis Mastery deepens the master's guard until the parry seems to find the blade of its own accord. This fighter's Aegis guard reaction turns a blow aside on a 3 or higher rather than a 4 or higher, and may be made a second time in the same round against a different attacker. Two strokes answered where a lesser Custodian answers one — yet even a master's guard is finite: a third attack in the round still finds its mark, and the way to fell one remains to send more blows than the Aegis can turn.

Martial Paragon is the honed edge of the finest swordsmen alive — a Custodian who has drilled the single fight for a lifetime and leaves nothing to chance. This fighter re-rolls failed Hit rolls in close combat, and on any melee Hit of a natural 6 that attack deals +1 Damage, the perfect stroke opening a wound no armour closes. In the duel the Ten Thousand were made for, the paragon does not miss twice, and when the blade finds its mark it finds it to kill.

Stand Vigil is the discipline of the sentinel who never lowers his spear. This fighter may hold a Guard (overwatch) reaction even after it has activated, and gains a free Aim when it does — watchful in the same round it has already acted, its aim settled before the trigger is drawn. The Ten Thousand were bred to watch as much as to fight; the guardian on vigil answers the first enemy to break cover, and answers it well-sighted.

Unstoppable is the demigod's flat refusal to fall. When this fighter would be taken Out of Action, roll a D6: on a 4 or higher it is Seriously Injured instead and fights on, dragging itself upright to answer the next blow. The Custodes are built to endure past the point that ends other warriors — a body much-rebuilt and a will that does not break, still standing when it has every reason to lie still.

Vexilla of the Ten Thousand is the standard no son of the Emperor abandons, and the warriors who fight beneath it do not waver. While friendly fighters are within 9" of the bearer, they automatically pass Nerve tests, and once per battle may re-roll one failed Aegis guard made within that range. The banner has flown over ten thousand years of war unbroken; the sight of it holds the line steady and turns aside the blow that would otherwise have landed.

Witch-Seeker is the null-maiden's hunt made instinct — a Sister of Silence who has tracked and killed the witch until the work needs no thought. Against any enemy Psyker, this Sister re-rolls failed Wound rolls, and that Psyker may take no invulnerable or field save against her attacks; there is no warp-craft that turns a Pariah's blade. Wielding an Executioner greatblade, forged to behead witches, each Wound she deals to a Psyker is dealt at +1 Damage. The Silence smothers the witch's power; the Witch-Seeker ends the witch.