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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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==Description==
A Space Marine Dreadnought is a walking tank which carries both powerful guns and lethal close combat weaponry, armoured to withstand all but the most powerful of enemy firepower and often relied on by Space Marine forces to tear an opening in enemy defences. Each Dreadnought contains a living being, permanently interfaced with the machine through a form of [[Mind Impulse Unit]].{{Fn|2a}} Dreadnoughts are surprisingly agile, able to walk and balance with the ease of a living creature. It is said that old proto-Dreadnoughts of the [[Unification]] wars could be piloted by non-Adeptus Astartes warriors, but later only Space Marines could be interred in them.{{CMEFn|2e}}
The pilots within Dreadnoughts are Marines who have suffered mortal wounds in battle, maimed and crippled beyond recovery: instead of being mercifully killed, the greatest heroes are instead given what is considered the honour of continuing to serve the [[Emperor]] past their normal lives. Once interred within the Dreadnought, the Marine cannot leave the metal womb and is destined for a life of endless battle until destroyed.{{Fn|5}}
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 137
**{{Endn|2d}}: pg. 142
**{{Endn|2e}}: pg. 167
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Index Astartes I]], pg. 53
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)]], pg. 32
