Difference between revisions of "Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought"
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{{SpaceMarinesPortal}} | {{SpaceMarinesPortal}} | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:ContemptorImperialFists.jpg|thumb|330px|[[Imperial Fists]] Contemptor Dreadnought {{Fn|12}}]] |
| − | The '''Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought''' is a [[Space Marine Dreadnought]] developed prior to the [[Horus Heresy | + | The '''Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought''' (codenamed ''Chuck''{{Fn|49}}) is a [[Space Marine Dreadnought]] developed prior to the [[Horus Heresy]].{{Fn|1a}} |
| + | 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]]'s [[Legio Cybernetica]] branch, including [[Atomantic Shielding]] field generator technology that would be implemented into the [[Storm Shield]]s of [[Terminator|Space Marine Terminators]].{{Fn|1a}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{TOC limit|3}} | ||
==Overview== | ==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 [[Atomantic Shielding|defensive energy field systems]]. These advantages came with a price, however, for it requires a higher degree of maintenance 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}} Sacred [[Chapter]] memento-mori and ancient monuments on worlds like [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]] and [[Lorin Alpha]] give notion to the important place the Contemptor had in the earliest Imperial forces raised from [[Terra]], serving with other Dreadnought patterns in spearhead units in the [[Great Crusade]], the Horus Heresy and [[Scouring|its aftermath]], suffering incredibly high loses.{{Fn|1a}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Post-heresy=== | ||
| + | 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}} | |
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Salaghast.jpeg|thumb|250px|[[Salaghast]] of the [[Black Legion]]{{Fn|15}}]] | ||
| + | [[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]]s. It can also be fitted with a carapace-mounted [[Havoc Launcher]].{{Fn|2}} The Contemptor is protected by [[Atomantic Shielding]].{{Fn|1a}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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}} | ||
===Technical Information=== | ===Technical Information=== | ||
{{Imperial Vehicles | {{Imperial Vehicles | ||
| − | |Vehicle Name=Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought | + | |Vehicle Name=Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought{{Fn|4b}} |
|Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]] | |Forge World of Origin=[[Mars]] | ||
|Known Patterns=I-XXVI | |Known Patterns=I-XXVI | ||
|Crew=Interred Space Marine | |Crew=Interred Space Marine | ||
| − | |Powerplant= | + | |Powerplant=Atomantic arc reactor |
|Weight=14.5 tonnes | |Weight=14.5 tonnes | ||
|Length=2.1m | |Length=2.1m | ||
| Line 20: | Line 36: | ||
|Height=4.5m | |Height=4.5m | ||
|Ground Clearance=N/A | |Ground Clearance=N/A | ||
| + | |Fording Depth= | ||
|Max Speed - on road=12kph | |Max Speed - on road=12kph | ||
|Max Speed - off road=7kph | |Max Speed - off road=7kph | ||
| − | |Main Armament= [[Twin-linked]] [[Heavy Bolter]]s | + | |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]] | + | |Secondary Armament=[[Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon]], [[Storm Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer]], [[Havoc Launcher]] |
|Gun Traverse=360° | |Gun Traverse=360° | ||
|Gun Elevation=From -90° to +90° | |Gun Elevation=From -90° to +90° | ||
| Line 37: | Line 54: | ||
|Access Points=N/A | |Access Points=N/A | ||
}} | }} | ||
| + | |||
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| − | ===Contemptor-Cortus | + | ====Contemptor-Cortus Dreadnought==== |
| − | + | [[Image:CortusDread.jpg|thumb|220px|A Contemptor-Cortus Class Dreadnought with a heavy [[Conversion Beamer]]{{Fn|5}}]] | |
| − | [[Image: | + | 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 flyers.{{Fn|3b}} The Mortis also features [[Atomantic Shielding]] and an auger cluster surrounding it's 'head unit'. It may be equipped with [[Extra Armour]], a [[Searchlight]] and a carapace-mounted [[Cyclone Missile Launcher]].{{Fn|1b}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Although used by all Space Marine Legions, the Contemptor-Mortis was most often deployed by the [[Dark Angels]] and [[Iron Warrior]] Legions during the later years of the Great Crusade. After thousands of years, a number of revered Contemptor-Mortis are still operational.{{Fn|43}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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}} | ||
| + | ===Legion-Specific Variants=== | ||
| + | ====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]] 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|10}} This was used either to drop the Dreadnought from orbit, or to allow it to cover the distance to its 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 [[Baal Primus|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==== | ||
| + | [[File: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 employ psychic abilities that were 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 likely most spurned this gift entirely.{{Fn|7c}} | ||
| − | + | {{Clear}} | |
| − | |||
| − | + | ===Legio Custodes Variants=== | |
| − | + | ====Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought==== | |
| + | [[File: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, interment 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==== | |
| + | [[File: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}} | |
| − | |||
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| − | + | {{Clear}} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Notable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts== | ==Notable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts== | ||
| − | *[[Aesir]] | + | {{main|List of Named Dreadnoughts}} |
| − | *[[Berossus]] | + | {{main|Chaos Dreadnoughts (List)}} |
| − | *[[Bombastus]] | + | <div style="column-count:2;font-size:100%"> |
| − | *[[Brantar]] | + | *[[Aesir]] — [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|40}} |
| − | *[[Dhekarst]] | + | *[[Appius]] — [[Imperial Fists]]{{Fn|34}} |
| − | *[[Hecaton Aiakos]] | + | *[[Berossus]] — [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|41}} |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Bombastus]] — [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|13}} |
| − | *[[Kargul]] | + | *[[Brantar]] — [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|14}} |
| − | *[[Lhorke]] | + | *[[Dhekarst]] — [[Sons of Horus]]{{Fn|15}} |
| − | *[[Promodon]] | + | *[[Har Skrinn]] — [[Space Wolves]] |
| − | *[[Romuald]] | + | *[[Hecaton Aiakos]] — [[Minotaurs]]{{Fn|16}} |
| − | *[[Seraphis (Dreadnought)|Seraphis]] | + | *[[Hamonah]] — [[Blood Angels]] |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Kargul]] — [[Death Guard]]{{Fn|18}} |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Lhorke]] — [[World Eaters]]{{Fn|19}} |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Svell Graniteback]] — [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|24}} |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Hrend]] — [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|17}} |
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Promodon]] — [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|14}} |
| + | *[[Romuald]] — [[Imperial Fists]]{{Fn|20}} | ||
| + | *[[Rubellus]] — [[Death Guard]]{{Fn|38c}} | ||
| + | *[[Sagittarus Malacque]] — [[Custodian Guard]]{{Fn|21}} | ||
| + | *[[Seraphis (Dreadnought)|Seraphis]] — [[Thousand Sons]]{{Fn|15}} | ||
| + | *[[Sor Gharax]] — [[Word Bearers]]{{Fn|23}} | ||
| + | *[[Talon (Ultramarines)|Talon]] — [[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|25}} | ||
| + | *[[Tegusai]] — [[White Scars]]{{Fn|48}} | ||
| + | *[[Urien]] — [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|3a}} | ||
| + | *[[Vestenar]] — [[Blood Angels]]{{Fn|37}} | ||
| + | *[[Vortum|Vortum the Thrice-Fallen]] — [[Sons of Horus]]{{Fn|38a}} | ||
| + | *[[Ynnades]] — [[Adeptus Custodes]]{{Fn|22}} | ||
| + | *[[Zhamar]] — [[Emperor's Children]]{{Fn|38b}} | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | ==See | + | ==Images== |
| + | <gallery mode="nolines" heights=250 widths=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 | ||
| + | GWContemptor.jpg|Plastic [[Sons of Horus]] Contemptor Dreadnought for ''[[The Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness]]''{{Fn|42}} | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
| + | <gallery mode="nolines" heights=250 widths=250> | ||
| + | Galatus.jpg|[[Custodes]] Contemptor-Galatus{{Fn|44}} | ||
| + | CustodesAchillus.jpg|Custodes Contemptor-Achillus{{Fn|45}} | ||
| + | AchillusPlastic.jpg|Plastic Custodes Contemptor-Achillus for the ''[[Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness]]''{{Fn|47}} | ||
| + | GalatusPlastic.jpg|Plastic Custodes Contemptor-Galatus for the ''[[Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness]]''{{Fn|47}} | ||
| + | LI Contemptor.jpg|''[[Epic]]''-scale Contemptor Dreadnought for ''[[Legions Imperialis]]''{{Fn|46}} | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Trivia== | ||
| + | {{Trivia}} | ||
| + | ===Development History=== | ||
| + | The Contemptor, alongside the [[Deredeo]] and the [[Furibundus]], were originally different variations of the same Dreadnought chassis in [[1st Edition]], being differentiated primarily by their weapons loadout.{{Fn|49}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | *[[Castaferrum Dreadnought]] | ||
*[[Deredeo Dreadnought]] | *[[Deredeo Dreadnought]] | ||
| + | *[[Furibundus Dreadnought]] | ||
*[[Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought]] | *[[Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought]] | ||
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==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
| − | *{{Endn| | + | <div style="column-count:2;font-size:85%"> |
| − | *{{Endn| | + | *1: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition]]: |
| − | *{{Endn| | + | **{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 24 |
| − | *4: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]] | + | **{{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|4a}}: pg. 176 | ||
**{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 179 | **{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 179 | ||
| − | *{{Endn|5}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en- | + | *{{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| | + | *{{Endn|6}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Six - Retribution]], pg. 238-239 |
| − | *{{Endn| | + | *7: [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]]: |
| − | *{{Endn| | + | **{{Endn|7a}}: pg. 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 | ||
| + | *{{Endn|10}}: [[Liber Astartes]], 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: Collected Visions]], pgs. 296-298 | ||
| + | *{{Endn|15}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned]], pgs. 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 02/11/2021)'' | ||
| + | *{{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 02/11/2021)'' | ||
| + | *{{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 15/08/2018)] ''(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 02/02/2019)] ''(last accessed 02/11/2021)'' | ||
| + | *{{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 27/06/2022)] ''(last accessed 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 Forge World webstore: Thousand Sons Legion Osiron Pattern Contemptor Dreadnought] | ||
| + | *{{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 | ||
| + | *{{Endn|42}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/04/28/heresy-thursday-lead-the-charge-with-the-all-singing-all-dancing-contemptor-dreadnought/ Heresy Thursday – Lead the Charge With the All-singing, All-dancing Contemptor Dreadnought (posted 28/04/2022)] ''(last accessed 10/05/2022)'' | ||
| + | *{{Endn|43}}: [[Imperial Armour Aeronautica]], pg. 38 | ||
| + | *{{Endn|44}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20250709210419/https://www.warhammer.com/en-US/shop/Legio-Custodes-Contemptor-Galatus-Dreadnought-2018 Games Workshop Contemptor Galatus] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer.com/en-US/shop/Legio-Custodes-Contemptor-Galatus-Dreadnought-2018 the original], last accessed 09/07/2025)'' | ||
| + | *{{Endn|45}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20250709210415/https://www.warhammer.com/en-US/shop/Legio-Custodes-Contemptor-Achillus-Dreadnought Games Workshop Contemptor Achillus] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer.com/en-US/shop/Legio-Custodes-Contemptor-Achillus-Dreadnought the original], last accessed 09/07/2025)'' | ||
| + | *{{Endn|46}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20230701155242/https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/07/01/warhammer-preview-battle-on-an-epic-scale-in-the-horus-heresy-legions-imperialis/ Warhammer Community : Warhammer Preview – Battle on an Epic Scale in the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Legions Imperialis] ''(saved archive, last accessed 01/07/2023)'' | ||
| + | *{{Endn|47}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/mdp0kzdk/the-new-year-preview-all-new-legio-custodes-revealed/ Warhammer Community: The New Year Preview – All-new Legio Custodes Revealed] ''(last accessed 16 January 2026)'' | ||
| + | *{{Endn|48}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Eight - Malevolence]], pg. 89 | ||
| + | *{{Endn|49}}: [[White Dwarf 100 (UK)]], pgs. 68-75 | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
{{SMHeresy}} | {{SMHeresy}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Vehicles (Adeptus Custodes)]] | ||
[[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)|Dreadnought, Contemptor]] | [[Category:Vehicles (Space Marines)|Dreadnought, Contemptor]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Dreadnoughts]] |
[[de:Contemptor]] | [[de:Contemptor]] | ||
[[fr:Dreadnought Contemptor]] | [[fr:Dreadnought Contemptor]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:43, 19 April 2026
The Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought (codenamed Chuck[49]) is a Space Marine Dreadnought developed prior to the Horus Heresy.[1a]
The Contemptor is larger and more powerful than standard Dreadnought patterns, featuring systems similar to those used by the automatons of the Mechanicum's Legio Cybernetica branch, including Atomantic Shielding field generator technology that would be implemented into the Storm Shields of Space Marine Terminators.[1a]
Overview
At the time of the Horus Heresy it was a recent design, compared to the older 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 maintenance and a catastrophic meltdown may occur if its arc reactor is breached.[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.[4a] Sacred Chapter memento-mori and ancient monuments on worlds like Necromunda and Lorin Alpha give notion to the important place the Contemptor had in the earliest Imperial forces raised from Terra, serving with other Dreadnought patterns in spearhead units in the Great Crusade, the Horus Heresy and its aftermath, suffering incredibly high loses.[1a]
Post-heresy
In the 41st Millennium, the Castaferrum Pattern Dreadnought had become the most common.[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.[4a]
Given the rarity of the Contemptor-pattern chassis, those few that still remain in service are revered as relics amongst the Space Marine Chapters 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.[5]
Chaos Space Marines still make us of this pattern in the form of the corrupted Chaos Contemptor Dreadnoughts[15], while the Adeptus Custodes maintain Venerable Contemptor Dreadnoughts of their own.[9]
Wargear
The Contemptor comes equipped with a twin-linked Heavy Bolter, a Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon with inbuilt Storm Bolter, and smoke launchers. It can also be fitted with a carapace-mounted Havoc Launcher.[2] The Contemptor is protected by Atomantic Shielding.[1a]
The Contemptor can replace its standard equipment with a variety of weaponry, including: a Rotor Cannon, Multi-melta, twin-linked Heavy Flamers, twin-linked Autocannons, Plasma Cannon, heavy Conversion Beamer, or twin-linked Lascannons. 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.[2]
Technical Information
| Vehicle Name: | Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought[4b] | Main Armament: | Twin-linked Heavy Bolters Lascannons, Volkite Culverins, or Heavy Flamers, or single Multi-Melta, Plasma Cannon, Conversion Beamer, Rotor Cannon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forge World of Origin: | Mars | Secondary Armament: | Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon, Storm Bolter or Heavy Flamer, Havoc Launcher |
| Known Patterns: | I-XXVI | Traverse: | 360° |
| Crew: | Interred Space Marine | Elevation: | From -90° to +90° |
| Powerplant: | Atomantic arc reactor | Main Ammunition: | Variable |
| Weight: | 14.5 tonnes | Secondary Ammunition: | Variable |
| Length: | 2.1m | ||
| Width: | 3.1m | Armour | |
| Height: | 4.5m | ||
| Ground Clearance: | N/A | Superstructure: | 75mm |
| Fording Depth: | Hull: | 75mm | |
| Max Speed - on road | 12kph | Gun Mantlet | N/A |
| Max Speed - off road: | 7kph | Vehicle Designation: | 8681-756-127-DR 081 |
| Transport Capacity: | N/A | Firing Ports: | N/A |
| Access Points: | N/A | Turret: | N/A |
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.[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.[6]
Contemptor-Mortis Dreadnought
Instead of standard twin-linked heavy bolters, this class is armed with two weapons of the same type - Multi-Meltas, twin-linked Autocannons, Kheres pattern Assault Cannons, or twin-linked Lascannons.[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 flyers.[3b] The Mortis also features Atomantic Shielding and an auger cluster surrounding it's 'head unit'. It may be equipped with Extra Armour, a Searchlight and a carapace-mounted Cyclone Missile Launcher.[1b]
Although used by all Space Marine Legions, the Contemptor-Mortis was most often deployed by the Dark Angels and Iron Warrior Legions during the later years of the Great Crusade. After thousands of years, a number of revered Contemptor-Mortis are still operational.[43]
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.[3b]
Legion-Specific Variants
Contemptor-Incaendius Dreadnought
The Contemptor-Incaendius Class Dreadnought was a variant of Contemptor used by the Blood Angels Legion in devastating shock assaults.[8] The chassis was equipped with a 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.[10] This was used either to drop the Dreadnought from orbit, or to allow it to cover the distance to its 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.[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 Talons of Perdition with built-in Heavy Flamers, the Incaendius served as a shock assault unit of unparalleled ferocity.[8]
Osiron Class Dreadnought
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 employ psychic abilities that were far safer to the user and its allies.[7c] As such, these Dreadnoughts were equipped with Gravis Force Blades and Æther-Fire Weapons.[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 likely most spurned this gift entirely.[7c]
Legio Custodes Variants
Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought
The Contemptor Achilus Dreadnought is a model used by the Custodian Guard.[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, interment 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.[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 bolters, incinerators or Adrathic destructors.[7d]
Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought
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.[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.[7e]
Notable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts
- Aesir — Space Wolves[40]
- Appius — Imperial Fists[34]
- Berossus — Iron Warriors[41]
- Bombastus — Iron Hands[13]
- Brantar — Iron Hands[14]
- Dhekarst — Sons of Horus[15]
- Har Skrinn — Space Wolves
- Hecaton Aiakos — Minotaurs[16]
- Hamonah — Blood Angels
- Kargul — Death Guard[18]
- Lhorke — World Eaters[19]
- Svell Graniteback — Space Wolves[24]
- Hrend — Iron Warriors[17]
- Promodon — Iron Warriors[14]
- Romuald — Imperial Fists[20]
- Rubellus — Death Guard[38c]
- Sagittarus Malacque — Custodian Guard[21]
- Seraphis — Thousand Sons[15]
- Sor Gharax — Word Bearers[23]
- Talon — Ultramarines[25]
- Tegusai — White Scars[48]
- Urien — Iron Hands[3a]
- Vestenar — Blood Angels[37]
- Vortum the Thrice-Fallen — Sons of Horus[38a]
- Ynnades — Adeptus Custodes[22]
- Zhamar — Emperor's Children[38b]
Images
Contemptor Dreadnought of the Astral Claws chapter[28]
Contemptor Dreadnought of the Thousand Sons[30]
Comtemptor Dreadnought of the Blood Angels[31]
Space Wolves Comtemptor Dreadnought[32]
White Scars Contemptor Dreadnought
Plastic Sons of Horus Contemptor Dreadnought for The Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness[42]
Custodes Contemptor-Achillus[45]
Plastic Custodes Contemptor-Achillus for the Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness[47]
Plastic Custodes Contemptor-Galatus for the Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness[47]
Epic-scale Contemptor Dreadnought for Legions Imperialis[46]
Trivia
 |
Development History
The Contemptor, alongside the Deredeo and the Furibundus, were originally different variations of the same Dreadnought chassis in 1st Edition, being differentiated primarily by their weapons loadout.[49]
See also
Sources
- 1: Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition:
- 2: The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal, pg. 200
- 3: The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre:
- 4: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes:
- 5: Forge World webstore : RELIC CONTEMPTOR DREADNOUGHT BODY (saved archive)
- 6: The Horus Heresy Book Six - Retribution, pg. 238-239
- 7: The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno:
- 8: The Horus Heresy Book Eight - Malevolence, pg. 209
- 9: Codex: Adeptus Custodes (8th Edition), pg. 42
- 10: Liber Astartes, pg. 263
- 11: Liber Hereticus:
- 12: Horus Heresy: Age Of Darkness 2nd Edition Rulebook, pg. 149
- 13: Angel Exterminatus (Novel), Chapter 8
- 14: Horus Heresy: Collected Visions, pgs. 296-298
- 15: Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost and the Damned, pgs. 105-109
- 16: Imperial Armour Volume Twelve - The Fall of Orpheus, pg. 147
- 17: Tallarn: Ironclad (Novel), Chapter 7
- 18: The Buried Dagger (Novel) — Interval IV
- 19: Angron: Slave of Nuceria (Novel) - Chapter 26
- 20: White Dwarf 128 (2016) — Parade Ground
- 21: Master of Mankind (Novel), Chapter 6
- 22: Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor's Legion (Novel), Valerian Chapter 8
- 23: White Dwarf 93 (2015) — Betrayal at Calth
- 24: White Dwarf November 2016, pgs. 118–119
- 25: Gathering Storm: Fall of Cadia, Chapter 2
- 28: Forge World Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought (Dead Link)
- 29: Games Workshop Betrayal at Calth (dead link)
- 30: Forgeworld Thousand Sons Contemptor Dreadnought (last accessed 02/11/2021)
- 31: Warhammer Community: Warhammer Fest Europe: Live Blog (posted 18/8/2018) (last accessed 02/11/2021)
- 32: Warhammer Community: Codex: Space Wolves Preview – Hunters Unleashed and Datasheets Galore (posted 15/08/2018) (last accessed 2/11/2021)
- 33: Warhammer Community: The Horus Heresy Weekender 2019 Live Blog (posted 02/02/2019) (last accessed 02/11/2021)
- 34: Champion of Oaths (Short Story)
- 37: Warhammer Community: This Free Horus Heresy Mission Sees Ghastly Word Bearers Procurators Descend on the Blood Angels - The Scouring of Gilden's Star PDF, pg. 7 (posted 27/06/2022) (last accessed 27 June 2022)
- 38: The Horus Heresy: Legions - Shadow of the Warmaster
- 39: Forge World webstore: Thousand Sons Legion Osiron Pattern Contemptor Dreadnought
- 40: Horus Heresy (game system): Core Set — Aesir, card description
- 41: The First Wall (Novel), Chapter 15
- 42: Heresy Thursday – Lead the Charge With the All-singing, All-dancing Contemptor Dreadnought (posted 28/04/2022) (last accessed 10/05/2022)
- 43: Imperial Armour Aeronautica, pg. 38
- 44: Games Workshop Contemptor Galatus (archived from the original, last accessed 09/07/2025)
- 45: Games Workshop Contemptor Achillus (archived from the original, last accessed 09/07/2025)
- 46: Warhammer Community : Warhammer Preview – Battle on an Epic Scale in the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Legions Imperialis (saved archive, last accessed 01/07/2023)
- 47: Warhammer Community: The New Year Preview – All-new Legio Custodes Revealed (last accessed 16 January 2026)
- 48: The Horus Heresy Book Eight - Malevolence, pg. 89
- 49: White Dwarf 100 (UK), pgs. 68-75
