Imagine a universe where the Emperor's elite guard, the Custodes, are no longer exclusively male. That's precisely what Games Workshop has just unveiled, and it's causing quite a stir! For decades, Warhammer 40K lore and models have depicted the Custodes as towering figures of male strength. But that's changing, and it's a bigger deal than you might think.
On a recent Friday, Games Workshop, the creators of Warhammer 40K, dropped a bombshell during their "New Year Preview" livestream: new models for the Legio and Adeptus Custodes featuring, for the first time, female-presenting heads. This marks a monumental shift, a departure from the long-standing tradition of only presenting the Emperor of Mankind's personal protectors with male visages.
For years, the Warhammer 40K universe has offered the Sisters of Silence as the female counterpart to the Custodes. Introduced in the game's Seventh Edition back in 2017, these individuals possessed unique abilities and filled a specific role within the Imperium. But here's where it gets controversial... many fans felt that relegating all female characters to a separate, distinct group wasn't truly representative of the potential diversity within the Custodes themselves.
Games Workshop has been subtly hinting at this change for a while. Back in 2024, a rulebook featured a short story about Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh, a female Custodian. And this is the part most people miss... her inclusion, while significant, was initially met with skepticism by some. Was she merely a token character? A one-off exception? Then, the animated series Tithes introduced Tyrith Shiva Kyrus, another female Custodian, further fueling the debate. These instances sparked strong reactions, particularly from certain corners of the Warhammer community known for their conservative views. Some even questioned whether it was a lore break.
However, the inclusion of multiple female Custodes models now makes it clear: female Custodians are here to stay. Games Workshop even addressed the potential for debate directly during the stream. They specifically pointed out the Shield Captain's unhelmeted head, noting the "golden leaf woven into her hair," emphasizing her femininity and leaving little room for misinterpretation. They also confirmed that this isn't a retcon or change to existing lore. The criteria for becoming a Custodian isn't solely based on being a first-born son. As they stated, "noble daughters could also have been taken. And at some point, you run out of noble houses – even after you’ve conquered all of Terra, the inexorable war machine of the Imperium still requires a constant churn of recruits." This cleverly addresses the practical realities of maintaining such an elite force across a vast empire.
This move is more than just adding a few new faces. It represents Games Workshop taking a firm stance against the vocal minority within their fanbase who resist inclusivity. It's a clear message of support for the many fans who have long advocated for greater representation in the Warhammer 40K universe. And for those fans, the new Legio Custodes models – usable in both Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40K – will be available later this year.
The inclusion of female Custodes could spark differing opinions, especially among those who prefer to adhere strictly to established lore. Is this a positive step towards a more inclusive Warhammer 40K universe, or a deviation from the original vision? Does adding female Custodes enrich the narrative, or does it feel forced or unnecessary? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
