View source for Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought

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The '''Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought''' is a [[Space Marine Dreadnought]] developed prior to the [[Horus Heresy]]. The Contemptor is larger and more powerful than standard Dreadnought patterns, featuring systems similar to those used by the automatons of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus|Mechanicum]]' [[Legio Cybernetica]], including [[Atomantic Shielding]] field generator technology that would be implemented into the [[Storm Shield|Storm Shields]] of Space Marine [[Terminators]].{{Fn|1a}}
[[Image:ContemptorImperialFists.jpg|thumb|330px|[[Imperial Fists]] Contemptor Dreadnought {{Fn|12}}]]
{{TOC limit|3}}
==Overview==
At the time of the [[Horus Heresy]] it was a recent design, compared to the older [[Lucifer Dreadnought|Lucifer]] and [[Castraferrum]] pattern Dreadnoughts. It was equipped with an Atomantic arc-reactor, that allowed for enhanced speed and strength as well as defensive energy field systems. These advantages came with a price however, for it requires a higher degree of maintaneance  and a catastrophic meltdown may occur if its arc reactor is breached.{{Fn|4a}}

Once the standard pattern of Dreadnought in the [[Great Crusade]]-era, the ability to create new Contemptors is now beyond the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] or perhaps a closely guarded secret by certain [[Tech-Priest]] factions.{{Fn|4a}}

===Post-heresy===
[[Image:Salaghast.jpeg|thumb|250px|[[Salaghast]] of the [[Black Legion]]{{Fn|15}}]]

In the 41st Millennium, the [[Castaferrum Pattern Dreadnought]], had become the most common.{{Fn|1a}} The design of the Contemptor shares systems with the near-mythical battle-automata of the [[Legio Cybernetica]], which may explain why so few Contemptors remain in service as of [[M41]].{{Fn|4a}}

Given the rarity of the Contemptor-pattern chassis, those few that still remain in service are revered as Relics amongst the [[Space Marine Chapter]]s, blessed enough to count these ancient war machines amongst their arsenal. It is not uncommon for those Chapters to embellish their armoured sarcophagus with scripture, honour scrolls and additional details to commemorate the heroism and indomitable valour of the Ancient enshrined within.{{Fn|5}}

[[Chaos Space Marines]] still make us of this pattern in the form of the corrupted [[Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought]]s{{Fn|15}}, while the [[Adeptus Custodes]] maintain [[Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought]]s of their own.{{Fn|9}}

===Wargear===
The Contemptor comes equipped with a [[twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]], a [[Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon]] with inbuilt [[Storm Bolter]], and [[Smoke launcher|Smoke launchers]].{{Fn|2}}

The Contemptor can replace its standard equipment with a variety of weaponry, including: a [[Rotor Cannon]], [[Multi-melta]], twin-linked [[Heavy Flamer]]s, twin-linked [[Autocannon]]s, [[Plasma Cannon]], heavy [[Conversion Beamer]], or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s. The Contemptor can also replace its inbuilt twin-linked Bolter with a heavy flamer. The Contemptor can also be upgraded with [[Extra armour]], a [[Missile Launcher]], and a [[Searchlight]].{{Fn|2}}

==Variants==
====Contemptor-Cortus Dreadnought====
The '''Contemptor-Cortus''' was a lesser variant of the ‘Prime’ Contemptor pattern. Utilizing many of its base components, the most sophisticated systems were replaced with less potent ones which could be more readily fabricated in the field by the [[Legiones Astartes]]. The result was a war machine with unique strengths and combat characteristics, but also a reputation for instability, due to the barbaric indifference to the sanity or biological stability of the one entombed within.{{Fn|6}}

First created during the [[Ullanor Crusade]], the [[Mechanicum]] strongly disapproved of this makeshift design, and it was abandoned for a time. However, as the [[Horus Heresy]] broke out, this more-easily produced variant was returned to widespread service.{{Fn|6}}
{{Clear}}
====Contemptor-Mortis Dreadnought====
[[Image:Urien.jpg|thumb|220px||Contemptor-Mortis [[Urien]]{{Fn|3a}}]]
Instead of standard twin-linked heavy bolters, this class is armed with two weapons of the same type - [[Multi-Melta]]s, twin-linked [[Autocannon]]s, [[Kheres pattern Assault Cannon]]s, or twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s.{{Fn|1b}} The Mortis is often fitted with a helical targeting array slaved to enhanced target-cursing logis engines that allow it to track its foe with unprecedented accuracy and which make it particularly deadly against enemy uyers.{{Fn|3b}}

Initially, the majority of Mortis sub-pattern Dreadnoughts were of the Contemptor type, but as the [[Castraferrum]] patterns Dreadnoughts have entered service in increasing numbers, this sub-pattern has been pressed into the anti-air role across all of the war zones of the Imperium.{{Fn|3b}}

{{Clear}}
===Variants used by specific Legions===
====Contemptor-Incaendius Dreadnought====
[[Image:ContemptorIncaendius.jpg|thumb|220px|Contemptor-Incaendius Dreadnought{{Fn|8}}]]
The '''Contemptor-Incaendius Class Dreadnought''' was a variant of Contemptor used by the [[Blood Angels]] [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]], used in devastating shock assaults.{{Fn|8}} The chassis was equipped with a [[Jump Pack|Incaendius Booster Pack]], a massive rocket booster pack installed on the rear torso of the Contemptor-Incaendius, with enough fuel for a single prolonged burn{{Fn|10b}}. This is used either to drop the Dreadnought from orbit, or to allow it to cover the distance to the foe in a series of long leaps. Once its fuel is exhausted, the booster pack is purged from the Dreadnought’s chassis by a system of explosive bolts.{{Fn|8}}

This class of Dreadnought was only built within [[Mechanicum]] enclaves located on [[Baal]]'s first moon as per an agreement between the Blood Angels homeworld and the [[Forge World]] of [[Anvillus]]. Armed with twin [[Perdition Weapon|Talons of Perdition]] with built-in [[Heavy Flamer]]s, the Incaendius served as a shock assault unit of unparalleled ferocity.{{Fn|8}}
{{Clear}}

====Osiron Class Dreadnought====
[[Image:OsironPattern.jpg|thumb|220px|Osiron Class Dreadnought{{Fn|39}}]]
The '''Osiron Class Dreadnought''' was a type of Contemptor used by the [[Thousand Sons]]. These dreadnoughts were created by [[Magnus]] himself, and consisted of a mortally wounded [[psyker]] Space Marine laced with a psychometric barrier protecting his brain. This allowed the Dreadnought to perform psychic abilities that was far safer to the user and its allies.{{Fn|7c}} As such, these Dreadnoughts were equipped with [[Force Weapon|Gravis Force Blade]]s and [[Æther-Fire Weapon]]s{{Fn|11b}}.

Records indicate that not long before the Council of Nikaea, Magnus gave the schematics to create such Dreadnoughts freely to the other Legions, though it is likely most spurned this gift entirely.{{Fn|7c}}

{{Clear}}
===Legio Custodes Variants===
====Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought====
[[Image:AbramHasrubal.jpg|thumb|220px|Contemptor-Achillus [[Abram Hasrubal]]{{Fn|7b}}]]
The '''Contemptor Achilus Dreadnought''' is a model used by the [[Custodian Guard]].{{Fn|7d}}

In those isolated cases where the body has been all but irrevocably destroyed but the Custodian’s mind remains intact and their will to survive undimmed, internment within the cold and unyielding body of a Dreadnought is the next step. To this purpose, the few Dreadnoughts of the Legio Custodes are as singularly advanced as their other wargear, outfitted with weapons and systems artificer-made by the servants of the Imperial Court. At the time of the outbreak of the [[Horus Heresy]], the most widely employed was the Contemptor-Achillus, a general battle unit which combined phenomenal strength and speed with the echoes of the interned Custodes’ own unmatched martial skill.{{Fn|7d}}

The primary weapon of the Contemptor-Achillus was the mighty [[Dreadspear]], a weapon modeled closely on the Custodes [[Guardian Spear]] but larger and equipped with a [[Corve Las-Pulser]]. It was also equipped with two wrist-mounted [[storm bolter]]s, [[incinerator]]s or [[Adrathic destructor]]s.{{Fn|7d}}
{{Clear}}
====Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought====
[[Image:VettranioShapura.jpg|thumb|220px|Contemptor-Galatus [[Vettranio Shapura]]{{Fn|7f}}]] 
Similar in aspect to the Contemptor Dreadnoughts of the [[Legiones Astartes]], the '''Contemptor-Galatus''' is a markedly superior war machine. The unrivalled skills of the warrior entombed within its sarcophagus notwithstanding, the Contemptor-Galatus is stronger, faster and better armoured.{{Fn|7e}}

Designed to provide an anchor for a [[Legio Custodes]] battleline, the Contemptor-Galatus is armed in similar fashion to the Custodes themselves – wielding a huge [[Galatus Warblade]] with its inbuilt twin-linked infernus [[incinerator]], and equipped with a vastly enlarged version of the Custodes [[Praesidium shield]]. Already able to withstand heavy assaults with its armour and [[refractor field]], the Praesidium shield allows the Contemptor-Galatus stand nigh on impregnable, enduring the enemy onslaught and reaping a murderous toll with its immense power blade.{{Fn|7e}}
{{Clear}}

==Notable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts==
{{Main|List of Horus Heresy Characters}}
<div style="column-count:2;font-size:85%">
*[[Aesir]] of the [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|40}}
*[[Appius]] of the [[Imperial Fists]]{{Fn|34}}
*[[Berossus]] of the [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|41}}
*[[Bombastus]] of the [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|13}}
*[[Brantar]] of the [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|14}}
*[[Dhekarst]] of the [[Sons of Horus]]{{Fn|15}}
*[[Har Skrinn]] of the [[Space Wolves]]
*[[Hecaton Aiakos]] of the [[Minotaurs]]{{Fn|16}}
*[[Hamonah]] of the [[Blood Angels]]
*[[Kargul]] of the [[Death Guard]]{{Fn|18}}
*[[Lhorke]] of the [[World Eaters]]{{Fn|19}}
*[[Svell Graniteback]] of the [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|24}}
*[[Hrend]] of the [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|17}}
*[[Promodon]] of the [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|14}}
*[[Romuald]] of the [[Imperial Fists]]{{Fn|20}}
*[[Rubellus]] of the [[Death Guard]]{{Fn|38c}}
*[[Sagittarus Malacque]] of the [[Custodian Guard]]{{Fn|21}}
*[[Seraphis (Dreadnought)|Seraphis]] of the [[Thousand Sons]]{{Fn|15}}
*[[Sor Gharax]] of the [[Word Bearers]]{{Fn|23}}
*[[Talon (Ultramarines)|Talon]] of the [[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|25}}
*[[Tegusai]] of the [[White Scars]]{{cite this}}
*[[Urien]] of the [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|3a}}
*[[Vestenar]] of the [[Blood Angels]]{{Fn|37}}
*[[Vortum|Vortum the Thrice-Fallen]] of the [[Sons of Horus]]{{Fn|38a}}
*[[Ynnades]] of the [[Adeptus Custodes]]{{Fn|22}}
*[[Zhamar]] of the [[Emperor's Children]]{{Fn|38b}}
</div>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
Contemptor8.jpg|Contemptor Dreadnought of the [[Astral Claws]] chapter{{Fn|28}}
TSDread.jpg|Contemptor Dreadnought of the [[Thousand Sons]]{{Fn|30}}
BAContemptor.jpg|Comtemptor Dreadnought of the [[Blood Angels]]{{Fn|31}}
Space-Wolves-Contemptor.jpg|[[Space Wolves]] Comtemptor Dreadnought{{Fn|32}}
WSContemptor.jpg|[[White Scars]] Contemptor Dreadnought&
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Deredeo Dreadnought]]
*[[Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought]]

==Technical Information==
{{Imperial Vehicles
|Vehicle Name=Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought{{Fn|4b}}
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]]
|Known Patterns=I-XXVI
|Crew=Interred Space Marine
|Powerplant=Atomantic arc reactor
|Weight=14.5 tonnes
|Length=2.1m
|Width=3.1m
|Height=4.5m
|Ground Clearance=N/A
|Fording Depth=
|Max Speed - on road=12kph
|Max Speed - off road=7kph
|Main Armament= [[Twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s [[Lascannon]]s, <br>[[Volkite Culverin]]s, or [[Heavy Flamer]]s, or single [[Multi-Melta]],  <br>[[Plasma Cannon]], [[Conversion Beamer]], [[Rotor Cannon]]
|Secondary Armament=[[Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon]], [[Storm Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer]]
|Gun Traverse=360&deg;
|Gun Elevation=From -90&deg; to +90&deg;
|Main Ammunition=Variable
|Secondary Ammunition=Variable
|Turret Armour=N/A
|Superstructure Armour=75mm
|Hull Armour=75mm
|Gun Mantlet Armour=N/A
|Vehicle Designation=8681-756-127-DR 081
|Transport=N/A
|Fire Ports=N/A
|Access Points=N/A
}}

==Sources==
<div style="column-count:2;font-size:85%">
*'''1''': [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition]]
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 24
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 28
*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pg. 200
*'''3''': [[The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre]]
**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 78
**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 194
*4: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]]:
**{{Endn|4a}}: pg. 176
**{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 179
*{{Endn|5}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20111023145847/http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/New_Stuff/RELIC-CONTEMPTOR-DREADNOUGHT-BODY.html Forge World webstore : RELIC CONTEMPTOR DREADNOUGHT BODY] (saved archive)
*{{Endn|6}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Six - Retribution]], pg. 238-239
*'''7''': [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]]
**{{Endn|7a}}: p. 81
**{{Endn|7b}}: pg. 118
**{{Endn|7c}}: pg. 211
**{{Endn|7d}}: pg. 262
**{{Endn|7e}}: pg. 279
**{{Endn|7f}}: pg. 283
*{{Endn|8}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Eight - Malevolence]], pg. 209
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (8th Edition)]], pg. 42
*'''10''': [[Liber Astartes]]
**{{Endn|10a}}: 
**{{Endn|10b}}: pg. 263
*'''11''': [[Liber Hereticus]]
**{{Endn|11a}}: pg. 36
**{{Endn|11b}}: pg. 265
*{{Endn|12}}:[[Horus Heresy: Age Of Darkness 2nd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 149
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Angel Exterminatus (Novel)]], Chapter 8
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Horus Heresy (Artbook Series)]]: Collected Visions: pgs. 296-298
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned]], pg. 105-109
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve - The Fall of Orpheus]], pg. 147
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Tallarn: Ironclad (Novel)]], Chapter 7
*{{Endn|18}}: [[The Buried Dagger (Novel)]] — Interval IV
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Angron: Slave of Nuceria (Novel)]] - Chapter 26
*{{Endn|20}}: [[White Dwarf 128 (2016)]] — Parade Ground
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Master of Mankind (Novel)]], Chapter 6
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor's Legion (Novel)]], Valerian Chapter 8
*{{Endn|23}}: [[White Dwarf 93 (2015)]] — Betrayal at Calth
*{{Endn|24}}: [[White Dwarf November 2016]], pgs. 118–119 
*{{Endn|25}}: [[Gathering Storm: Fall of Cadia]], chapter 2
*{{Endn|28}}: [https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Space_Marines/Space-Marine-Dreadnoughts/CONTEMPTOR_PATTERN_DREADNOUGHT_BODY.html Forge World Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought] (Dead Link)
*{{Endn|29}}: [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Horus-Heresy-Betrayal-at-Calth-ENG Games Workshop Betrayal at Calth] (dead link)
*{{Endn|30}}: [https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-NL/Thousand-Sons-Contemptor-Dreadnought Forgeworld Thousand Sons Contemptor Dreadnought] (last accessed 2/11/2021)
*{{Endn|31}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/08/18/18th-aug-warhammer-fest-europe-live-bloggw-homepage-post-1fw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Fest Europe: Live Blog (posted 18/8/2018)] (last accessed 2/11/2021)
*{{Endn|32}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/08/15/15th-aug-codex-space-wolves-preview-hunters-unleashed-and-datasheets-galoregw-homepage-post-3/ Warhammer Community: Codex: Space Wolves Preview – Hunters Unleashed and Datasheets Galore (posted 15/8/2018)] (last accessed 2/11/2021)
*{{Endn|33}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/02/02/the-horus-heresy-weekender-2019-live-bloggw-homepage-post-1fw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: The Horus Heresy Weekender 2019 Live Blog (posted 2/2/2019)] (last accessed 2/11/2021)
*{{Endn|34}}: [[Champion of Oaths (Short Story)]]
*{{Endn|37}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/06/27/this-free-horus-heresy-mission-sees-ghastly-word-bearers-procurators-descend-on-the-blood-angels/ Warhammer Community: This Free Horus Heresy Mission Sees Ghastly Word Bearers Procurators Descend on the Blood Angels] - [https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TLbrp4me5GEfL37Q.pdf The Scouring of Gilden's Star PDF, pg. 7 (Posted on 27/06/2022)] (Last accessed on 27 June 2022)
*38: [[The Horus Heresy: Legions]] - '''Shadow of the Warmaster'''
**{{Endn|38a}}: ''Sons of Horus Expansion'' Card Description
**{{Endn|38b}}: ''Emperor's Children Expansion'' Card Description
**{{Endn|38c}}: ''Death Guard Expansion'' Card Description
*{{Endn|39}}: https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-IE/Thousand-Sons-Legion-Osiron-Pattern-Contemptor-Dreadnought-with-Autocannon-2017
*{{Endn|40}}: [[Horus Heresy (game system)]]: '''Core Set''' — [http://wh40k.lexicanum.de/mediawiki/images/8/84/Aesir_%28Karte%29.jpg Aesir], card description
*{{Endn|41}}: [[The First Wall (Novel)]], Chapter 15
</div>

{{SMHeresy}}
[[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)|Dreadnought, Contemptor]]
[[Category:Vehicles (Adeptus Custodes)]]
[[Category:Walkers]]

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