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2020/06/13 23:29:43
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
NOLA_tiger wrote: Question?
With the strat that gives +1 to wound a target with higher toughness
Is that before or after weapon str modifers? Because if before than axes will wound on 2 vs anything
It will be after weapon strength modifiers, because you don't know what the wound roll is until you've calculated the final strength of the attack. Nice for axes to wound T8 on 3+ and T6-7 on 2+ still. Spears could use it in conjunction with Piercing Strike too to potentially gain +2 to wound.
2020/06/13 23:44:22
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
So the English pdf has leaked. It’s pinned on Canhammer discord for anyone that wants it. A few of the rules are stronger in English than the German translation doc above but are largely the same. Also Canhammer has a twitch broadcast covering the PA Sunday 9PM EST.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/06/13 23:45:12
2020/06/14 06:13:46
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Is anyone inclined to include sisters more frequently into their lists now that we have all the rules leaked? They can surely do some work against thousand sons and Grey knights.
Another thing I've been thinking about is our CP pool in 9th. Let's assume we start with 12 CP, this is how I'd spend some of them before the game starts (in this scenario I'd choose dread host as my shield host):
-1cp to open the vaults
-1cp to buff one SC to captain commander
-3 CP to put one dreadnought into deepstrike and throw in a warden bomb aswell
-1 cp to buff one dreadnought to get +1 attack and reroll charges (achillus is a nice candidate for this I believe)
-1 cp to generate an additional warlord trait since this can be quite a power up for one additional shield captain
That leaves us with 5CP. Now let's be generous and assume we only have to pop our version of transhuman physiology for 2CP in the first battle round to keep a key unit alive or something. That's 3CP left.
In the second battle round we simply have to use the dread host stratagem for 2CP to increase the odds of a successful alpha strike with our deepstriking units. That leaves 1CP.
Now I understand that we generate 1CP per command phase in 9th, but given how strong many of our new stratagems are and how crucial they will probably be to keep our army just semi competitive, isn't the captain commander trait that generates CP on a 5+ once per battle round by far the best option?
2020/06/14 08:11:18
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
You’d want Trajan and pay 1CP to give another Warlord Trait and grab then 5+ CP regen. Then you’re looking at 12+d3+~2+5 (-1) which is like 20ish across the 5 turns. Still, a great deal of our strength is now tied to CP.
out of all the new strats Golden Light of Moiraides and Eternal Penitent are my favourite, puts our dreads firmly back in the game which I’m so happy to see.
EDIT: also reading your ideas once more I think you’re going to leave Wardens at home for Terminators because of the free deep strike and also because Auramite and Adamantium is so good for 1CP. Wardens didn’t get much to help them in this but whatever. I also can’t wait to use Arcane Genetic Alchemy on my blob of Allarus.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2020/06/14 08:23:25
2020/06/14 08:31:43
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Malefic666 wrote: You’d want Trajan and pay 1CP to give another Warlord Trait and grab then 5+ CP regen. Then you’re looking at 12+d3+~2+5 (-1) which is like 20ish across the 5 turns. Still, a great deal of our strength is now tied to CP.
out of all the new strats Golden Light of Moiraides and Eternal Penitent are my favourite, puts our dreads firmly back in the game which I’m so happy to see.
EDIT: also reading your ideas once more I think you’re going to leave Wardens at home for Terminators because of the free deep strike and also because Auramite and Adamantium is so good for 1CP. Wardens didn’t get much to help them in this but whatever. I also can’t wait to use Arcane Genetic Alchemy on my blob of Allarus.
It pains me a bit, but I think you are right. With the new strats allarus termis is the way to go, or aquilons for that matter. Bit of a shame, since I really like the wardens.
Do you think with the +1 attack and reroll charges the achillus dread will finally be worth taking?
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2020/06/14 08:34:08
2020/06/14 08:38:37
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Agreed, in spite of using Wardens extensively I'm now firmly in the Aquilons camp after seeing the new rules. Certainly helps that I have 6 fresh out of the spray booth.
Auramite and Adamantium, and Superior Fire Patterns are both incredible for 1 CP. And the Emperors Auspice is similarly incredible for 2.
2020/06/14 10:04:22
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
I think in Dread Host the Telemon is a big winner by giving it Golden Light & Eternal Penitent (using Ancient Artifice as and when needed) but I own 3 Achillus too and yeah I plan on trying 1-3 out. Right now they’re 140 points which is a fair price for something that can deep strike in and roll 3d6 discard lowest on the charge.
The strength of this release is that nothing really lost out (bikes and wardens didn’t get big buffs) but everything we’re good at got a bump up. We’ll just have to see if 9th keeps all of this as strong as it appears in 8th.
2020/06/14 10:16:48
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Malefic666 wrote: I think in Dread Host the Telemon is a big winner by giving it Golden Light & Eternal Penitent (using Ancient Artifice as and when needed) but I own 3 Achillus too and yeah I plan on trying 1-3 out. Right now they’re 140 points which is a fair price for something that can deep strike in and roll 3d6 discard lowest on the charge.
The strength of this release is that nothing really lost out (bikes and wardens didn’t get big buffs) but everything we’re good at got a bump up. We’ll just have to see if 9th keeps all of this as strong as it appears in 8th.
True, the only caveat to this for me is that all our new strength is tied to CP. Which is not a bad thing necessarily, but I think we are going to have to be very economical with our CP, even in 9th and especially now.
Hence why I believe the 5+ regain CP captain commander ability is going to be almost mandatory.
On another note, how many of you are going to try out the new dread host relic axe on a terminator shield captain? Because I sure as hell am going to try that right away. It probably won't be as good as a 3++, but having one of our characters finally hit at d3 is gonna feel really good
2020/06/14 12:44:02
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Unstoppable Destroyer for the d3+3” pile in to any enemy model and d3+3 consolidate in any direction is the stand out WLT for me but I’ll prob consider taking the 5+ regen one in most games. We’ll have to play both and see which is best.
The axe is solid and if you’re footslogging say an Terminator SC then it’s probably an okay pick if he’s hanging with Allarus and Aquillons. I think the elite nature of Custodes just makes anything defensive more attractive but it’ll prob be down to personal taste and builds. There is some real tanky HQ builds in our PA if we wanted to go that route (Aquilan Shield).
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/06/14 12:50:31
2020/06/14 15:45:04
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
FezzikDaBullgryn wrote: It's funny that GW seems to be pushing players HARD to go FW. I mean, no one is going to buy thePrimaris Mario Cart if everyone is buying FW stuff.
I don't quite get your point. You mean GW pushed Custodes players to go buy from Forgeworld, or everyone? Primaris players are the only ones who would consider buying the mario cart buggy and those guys probably won't shop at forgeworld anyway.
2020/06/14 20:42:08
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
I mean everyone. The FW space marine Dreadnaught models are still the single best unit in the game, point for point. And the competitive Custodes lists are pretty much entirely made up of FW models. There are very few races/ractions which are based off GW models. This was a great oppurtunity for GW to show up and be like, our models are aweseome too! But instead they literally push us towards their FW line. Even our newest rules are practically made for the Telemon or Galatus. Anyone here rushing out to do charges with a Venerable Contemptor?
2020/06/14 21:06:37
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
^ Yeah I can agree with this. The Codex units didn’t really get that much better, but the FW stuff like Aquilons, Venetari and all types of dreads really did.
Some of the better stratagems feel pretty much custom written for FW units.
2020/06/14 21:07:34
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
FezzikDaBullgryn wrote: I mean everyone. The FW space marine Dreadnaught models are still the single best unit in the game, point for point. And the competitive Custodes lists are pretty much entirely made up of FW models. There are very few races/ractions which are based off GW models. This was a great oppurtunity for GW to show up and be like, our models are aweseome too! But instead they literally push us towards their FW line. Even our newest rules are practically made for the Telemon or Galatus. Anyone here rushing out to do charges with a Venerable Contemptor?
1. That's because of all the GW Dreads being overall terrible compared to the FW ones
2. GW didn't give Custodes any options so of course they need FW to create a rounded list or at least close to one.
CaptainStabby wrote: If Tyberos falls and needs to catch himself it's because the ground needed killing.
jy2 wrote: BTW, I can't wait to run Double-D-thirsters! Man, just thinking about it gets me Khorney.
vipoid wrote: Indeed - what sort of bastard would want to use their codex?
MarsNZ wrote: ITT: SoB players upset that they're receiving the same condescending treatment that they've doled out in every CSM thread ever.
2020/06/14 21:18:27
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
If GW had written the stratagems only for codex units people would have been moaning about that as well. Can't they just be happy for new rules and new ways to play Custodes?
And I think if you're trying to compare the Custodes plastic line with the SM one and say they should be equal in terms of choice, you're gonna have a bad time. This is Games "Space Marines" Workshop after all.
2020/06/15 03:01:51
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
I think that a 6-model squad of Venatari could become a very useful bomb.
Against Primaris marines (T4 and a 3+ save, 2 wounds), they'll kill an average of 5.33 with no buffs. This goes up to 6.22 near a Shield Captain and 7.26 near Trajann.
With the double shot strat, that goes up ti 10.66/12.44/14.52.
Pop the strat against a T8 and 3+ save unit (i.e. most vehicles) for 10.67 wounds base, 12.44 with hit rerolls, and 14.52 near Trajann. 348 points for the squad (until 9th hits) seems fairly reasonable.
That's enough damage to pop Rhinos and Daemon Princes (the ones without Disgustingly Resilient, anyway) if you can clear the chaff. With a charge, they're genuinely able to put down some flyers in a single turn.
It's not the end-all for a death star, but it's also only 1 CP and a 336 pt unit that's incredibly mobile and can then charge with power axe equivalents. It's a very versatile unit.
Comparatively, the Caladius (which is still a very good tank) runs 220 pts with the D2 autocannon equivalent.
Against Primaris marines, the Caladius will kill 4.56 on its own, 5.37 with hit rerolls, and 6.03 with hit and wound rerolls. This is fairly comparable for 116 points less. It's still maneuverable and is sturdy, but will eat anti-tank fire and definitely doesn't have good melee. Once you factor in the stratagem though, Venatari start becoming very good.
Some more arguments in favor of the Venatari:
- You can hold them in reserve by default, so no paying for ftGLtC.
- This doesn't include melee damage, which is S6 and AP -2, though only D1. Terminators won't be able to hit anywhere near as hard in shooting, but will be better at punching vehicles. The melee can still be buffed and if you're running Dread Host, the charge can be too.
- Being able to keep them off board means that you aren't hurt as badly for going second.
- They'll eat Eldar jetbikes, Centurions, Aggressors, and be able to finish off anything with < 15 wounds in melee if shooting doesn't do it.
I'd still pair them with Jetbikes, a Pallas, and/or some Caladius tanks, but Venatari seem like a very strong option.
2020/06/15 03:02:06
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
I mean, GW did only write strategems for codex units. They just couldn't write them in a way that excluded applicable forge world units. It would have been very awkward to do so.
2020/06/15 05:11:08
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Fezzik im just curious, but do you just hate the fact that we have to use FW competivly or do you hate FW itself?
The custodes book itself isn't competititve because it lacks options.
We get amazing HQ's, durable troops, take all comer bikes, and some gimicky terminators/infantry bomb (wardens).
That is literally all that's in the book. The LR and Dreads in the book are either overcosted or just not all that competitive compared to what other armies get. Therefore we use FW models, which give us some long range firepower (desperately needed) and some faster mobility stuff.
Bikes are amazing, but everyone knows about them, and can kill them over 2/3 turns so they wont win at tournaments. You cant just make a one trick poney list and expect to be competitive.
The new strats greatly improve the dreadnoughts (all of em, not just FW). They also give us more options with our older stuff.
Now we can take SoS to help with psychic stuff which is also a great help.
Don't hate on FW for giving us stuff we needed please.
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2020/06/15 05:32:35
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Dr. What wrote: I think that a 6-model squad of Venatari could become a very useful bomb.
Against Primaris marines (T4 and a 3+ save, 2 wounds), they'll kill an average of 5.33 with no buffs. This goes up to 6.22 near a Shield Captain and 7.26 near Trajann.
With the double shot strat, that goes up ti 10.66/12.44/14.52.
Pop the strat against a T8 and 3+ save unit (i.e. most vehicles) for 10.67 wounds base, 12.44 with hit rerolls, and 14.52 near Trajann. 348 points for the squad (until 9th hits) seems fairly reasonable.
That's enough damage to pop Rhinos and Daemon Princes (the ones without Disgustingly Resilient, anyway) if you can clear the chaff. With a charge, they're genuinely able to put down some flyers in a single turn.
It's not the end-all for a death star, but it's also only 1 CP and a 336 pt unit that's incredibly mobile and can then charge with power axe equivalents. It's a very versatile unit.
Comparatively, the Caladius (which is still a very good tank) runs 220 pts with the D2 autocannon equivalent.
Against Primaris marines, the Caladius will kill 4.56 on its own, 5.37 with hit rerolls, and 6.03 with hit and wound rerolls. This is fairly comparable for 116 points less. It's still maneuverable and is sturdy, but will eat anti-tank fire and definitely doesn't have good melee. Once you factor in the stratagem though, Venatari start becoming very good.
Some more arguments in favor of the Venatari:
- You can hold them in reserve by default, so no paying for ftGLtC.
- This doesn't include melee damage, which is S6 and AP -2, though only D1. Terminators won't be able to hit anywhere near as hard in shooting, but will be better at punching vehicles. The melee can still be buffed and if you're running Dread Host, the charge can be too.
- Being able to keep them off board means that you aren't hurt as badly for going second.
- They'll eat Eldar jetbikes, Centurions, Aggressors, and be able to finish off anything with < 15 wounds in melee if shooting doesn't do it.
I'd still pair them with Jetbikes, a Pallas, and/or some Caladius tanks, but Venatari seem like a very strong option.
Venatari in bigger squads really do sound tasty now that we have access to that new strat. Damn you FW, my wallet is going to suffer...
I'm just a tiny bit sad that the pistol option for the venatari is now always the best configuration for them, because the lances are still pretty damn cool. But hey, at least they are actually playable now, which is awsome!
2020/06/15 15:46:13
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
I’ve been looking into combos for the captain-commander with warlord traits/relics, a couple good ones on the bike side. +1 to a re-rollable charge or 9 wounds with FNP and a 3++ and VOTBG looks nice. I guess the advantage of these is they can be customized at the table.
Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment.
2020/06/15 18:03:16
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
now that i have thought about it a bit more, i think the stuff from war of the spider really helps. And with the new deny strat for psychic powers i don't think we have much use for SoS. you can take the WL trait for deny and now we have 1 meh strat and the new really good deny start. all in all it is too little too late. I really hope Custodes get buffed with 9th.
2020/06/15 20:55:45
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
greyknight12 wrote: I’ve been looking into combos for the captain-commander with warlord traits/relics, a couple good ones on the bike side. +1 to a re-rollable charge or 9 wounds with FNP and a 3++ and VOTBG looks nice. I guess the advantage of these is they can be customized at the table.
Sure you COULD customize at the beginning of the game, but how often are you really not going to choose to go with 9 FNP wounds? Keep in mind you can just buy an Inquisitor and camp it in the corner for extra CP. Rerolling wounds against big stuff is nice, but the Lance already does that on the charge.
CaptainStabby wrote: If Tyberos falls and needs to catch himself it's because the ground needed killing.
jy2 wrote: BTW, I can't wait to run Double-D-thirsters! Man, just thinking about it gets me Khorney.
vipoid wrote: Indeed - what sort of bastard would want to use their codex?
MarsNZ wrote: ITT: SoB players upset that they're receiving the same condescending treatment that they've doled out in every CSM thread ever.
2020/06/15 21:44:59
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
greyknight12 wrote: I’ve been looking into combos for the captain-commander with warlord traits/relics, a couple good ones on the bike side. +1 to a re-rollable charge or 9 wounds with FNP and a 3++ and VOTBG looks nice. I guess the advantage of these is they can be customized at the table.
Sure you COULD customize at the beginning of the game, but how often are you really not going to choose to go with 9 FNP wounds? Keep in mind you can just buy an Inquisitor and camp it in the corner for extra CP. Rerolling wounds against big stuff is nice, but the Lance already does that on the charge.
Being able to consolidate out of combat is really good too. I might prefer it over 2W.
I need to play with 9th CP before I know how badly we need the CP regen one.
2020/06/15 23:41:31
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
greyknight12 wrote: I’ve been looking into combos for the captain-commander with warlord traits/relics, a couple good ones on the bike side. +1 to a re-rollable charge or 9 wounds with FNP and a 3++ and VOTBG looks nice. I guess the advantage of these is they can be customized at the table.
Sure you COULD customize at the beginning of the game, but how often are you really not going to choose to go with 9 FNP wounds? Keep in mind you can just buy an Inquisitor and camp it in the corner for extra CP. Rerolling wounds against big stuff is nice, but the Lance already does that on the charge.
Being able to consolidate out of combat is really good too. I might prefer it over 2W.
I need to play with 9th CP before I know how badly we need the CP regen one.
Like I said, an Inquisitor is only 55 points and VERY easy to hide if you need that regen.
CaptainStabby wrote: If Tyberos falls and needs to catch himself it's because the ground needed killing.
jy2 wrote: BTW, I can't wait to run Double-D-thirsters! Man, just thinking about it gets me Khorney.
vipoid wrote: Indeed - what sort of bastard would want to use their codex?
MarsNZ wrote: ITT: SoB players upset that they're receiving the same condescending treatment that they've doled out in every CSM thread ever.
2020/06/16 00:04:25
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Do we have the exact wording of the Aquilon Shield strat? If the shooting attacks have to target the AS unit, it seems like it will be super broken as a bodyguard. Consider a Vexilla Praetor with Magnifica, Radiant Mantle (for now, once mods cap at -1, probably the AS trait or SC) and the new Storm Shield relic. -2 to hit, -1 to wound (T5, so even Lascannons are 4+) and a 3++.
Put that in front of a Castellan and make people miss the days of ion bulwark and rotate ion shields stacking.
2020/06/16 00:27:24
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
JDarion wrote: Do we have the exact wording of the Aquilon Shield strat? If the shooting attacks have to target the AS unit, it seems like it will be super broken as a bodyguard. Consider a Vexilla Praetor with Magnifica, Radiant Mantle (for now, once mods cap at -1, probably the AS trait or SC) and the new Storm Shield relic. -2 to hit, -1 to wound (T5, so even Lascannons are 4+) and a 3++.
Put that in front of a Castellan and make people miss the days of ion bulwark and rotate ion shields stacking.
The Canhammer discord has all of the rules, pinned in the Custodes discussion section. Yes it appears to work that way. Not sure for how long, I'd say an FAQ is inbound.
You can also take the 5+++ over Radiant Mantle, its often better anyway.
2020/06/16 02:16:27
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
JDarion wrote: Do we have the exact wording of the Aquilon Shield strat? If the shooting attacks have to target the AS unit, it seems like it will be super broken as a bodyguard. Consider a Vexilla Praetor with Magnifica, Radiant Mantle (for now, once mods cap at -1, probably the AS trait or SC) and the new Storm Shield relic. -2 to hit, -1 to wound (T5, so even Lascannons are 4+) and a 3++.
Put that in front of a Castellan and make people miss the days of ion bulwark and rotate ion shields stacking.
The Canhammer discord has all of the rules, pinned in the Custodes discussion section. Yes it appears to work that way. Not sure for how long, I'd say an FAQ is inbound.
You can also take the 5+++ over Radiant Mantle, its often better anyway.
The Aquillon Shield warlord trait that halves all damage might be better than both. Depends what you're fighting I guess. Turning all 2 damage wounds to 1 damage is nice. 3 damage becoming 2 damage isn't as amazing
2020/06/16 07:15:03
Subject: Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Inquisitor only gets to regen the opponents CPs so isn’t quite as strong. I think the Captain Commander abilities are mostly great. Swift as the Eagle on a Solar Watch SC is good (I think SW may be the sleeper host and better than most people think), Startegic Mastermind might end up being an auto take as we are so CP hungry, even with Trajann), Indomitable Constitution and Unstoppable Destroyer are both fantastic with both putting forward a strong case for being taken. I think the way one builds their army and the way 9th Move, Charge & Fight works might be key. My gut still says Unstoppable Destroyer on a Dread Host SC with the Axe is just so good.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/06/16 07:24:12
2020/06/16 07:44:02
Subject: Re:Codex Adeptus Custodes: By His will alone
Hi all, just dipping my toes into Custodes, I brought a couple of models when they first came out but have only used them a couple of times. With the new edition I've decided that custodes will be my new army to add to the collection and just wanted a few pointers incase I'm doing something badly wrong.
These are my thoughts for a basic list, its about 1750 which I'm hoping will be around 2000 in 9th.
Bike Shield Captain - Seems an auto include beatstick Trajan - Again, too good not to use.
3x3 Troops - Intend to have one shield in each. Is it worth taking bigger units?
Vexila - -1 to hit still seems the obvious choice and going with a shield.
3 Vertus Jetbikes with Salvo Launchers - The launchers don't seem popular but the list needs some anti tank and having it mobile is likely a good idea with the new terrain.
5/6 Terminators - The new durability strats make these very hard to shift and the built in deepstrike and new strats for double shooting and rolling an extra charge dice seem to make a bigger unit more valuable.
Relic Dreadnought - I own the Forgeworld Spear variant which can happily proxy for the codex version. Obviously the forgeworld version is much better but those rules are going to swiftly change with 9th.
A few general questions:
How do we kill tanks? The new edition seems to favour armour so I expect to see more of it around, I can hit them in melee but other options are thin on the ground. Mobility - Other than making an army of jetbikes this is an issue, smaller tables may well help with this as will better terrain. Forgeworld - I'm not adverse to FW just trying to keep the cost down as the army is a nice cheap option - If you had to choose one thing with current role what would you choose? (the rules are going to change but they will likely still do a similar job on the field).
Our basic army rules seem a bit lacking, many primaris marines are better than us model for model (an intercessor Srg has 4 thunder hammer attacks!) I'm hoping for a real upgrade whenever a new 9th codex drops, more attacks and maybe a general "reduce AP by one" trait is needed to combat all the AP-1/-2 that is out there negating our armour.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/06/16 07:47:42
WisdomLS wrote: Hi all,
just dipping my toes into Custodes, I brought a couple of models when they first came out but have only used them a couple of times. With the new edition I've decided that custodes will be my new army to add to the collection and just wanted a few pointers incase I'm doing something badly wrong.
These are my thoughts for a basic list, its about 1750 which I'm hoping will be around 2000 in 9th.
Bike Shield Captain - Seems an auto include beatstick
Trajan - Again, too good not to use.
3x3 Troops - Intend to have one shield in each. Is it worth taking bigger units?
Vexila - -1 to hit still seems the obvious choice and going with a shield.
3 Vertus Jetbikes with Salvo Launchers - The launchers don't seem popular but the list needs some anti tank and having it mobile is likely a good idea with the new terrain.
5/6 Terminators - The new durability strats make these very hard to shift and the built in deepstrike and new strats for double shooting and rolling an extra charge dice seem to make a bigger unit more valuable.
Relic Dreadnought - I own the Forgeworld Spear variant which can happily proxy for the codex version. Obviously the forgeworld version is much better but those rules are going to swiftly change with 9th.
A few general questions:
How do we kill tanks? The new edition seems to favour armour so I expect to see more of it around, I can hit them in melee but other options are thin on the ground.
Mobility - Other than making an army of jetbikes this is an issue, smaller tables may well help with this as will better terrain.
Forgeworld - I'm not adverse to FW just trying to keep the cost down as the army is a nice cheap option - If you had to choose one thing with current role what would you choose? (the rules are going to change but they will likely still do a similar job on the field).
Our basic army rules seem a bit lacking, many primaris marines are better than us model for model (an intercessor Srg has 4 thunder hammer attacks!) I'm hoping for a real upgrade whenever a new 9th codex drops, more attacks and maybe a general "reduce AP by one" trait is needed to combat all the AP-1/-2 that is out there negating our armour.
Ah, the bandwagon starts rolling eh... (joking)
Valoris, some Custodian Guard, a box of bikes and some sort of Terminators would be what I would buy in your position. While you paint those up we will learn more about 9th edition rules and points, which could obviously make a big difference to what effective Custodes armies look like in the near future. But I think you're pretty safe starting with those core units based on what we've seen already.
Tanks - My take has always been (and moreso with the recent PA rule leaks) that Custodes should survive shooting from tanks and kill them in assault. We now have the tools defensively and mobility-wise to make it into combat to make this more achievable.
Speaking of Mobility - Movement speed isn't everything. The upcoming Psychic Awakening rules have given us another good stratagem to help make deepstriking as a dependable strategy rather than just a helpful tactic. Bike units pay for their high movement speed in points and not being infantry (I suspect this will be a major thing in 9th with new terrain rules).
FW - As I said just start with some of the core units first then worry about FW later, Telemon Dreadought and Aquilon Terminators are good right now but who knows if that will change in a months time.
40,000pts
8,000pts
3,000pts
3,000pts
6,000pts
2,000pts
1,000pts
(joking)