Welcome back, fellow Adeptus Astartes enthusiasts! This entry in our ongoing series is a deep dive into one of the most iconic war machines of the Imperium – the Dreadnought. Let’s dive right in!
The first thing to note about the dreadnought is its impressive configuration. The least armored areas are the dorsal surfaces, a strategic choice when considering the dreadnought’s battlefield role. As a player, you get to decide how to arm your dreadnought based on your tactical objectives. One of its limbs will always be equipped with a melee weapon, like a power claw or power fist, which exponentially surpasses the might of its infantry counterparts. Underneath this melee armament, you’ll typically find either a storm bolter or a heavy flamer, handy for dealing with infantry masses.
However, the true devastation from a dreadnought stems from its ranged armament. The arsenal of a dreadnought is astonishingly diverse. It’s capable of being equipped with nearly every weapon known to the Imperium, from assault cannons to heavy plasma guns, multi-meltas, auto cannons, and even L cannons. Heavy bolters and missile launchers are also at their disposal.
By the 42nd Millennium, the Space Marine chapters remain armed with the Castrum Type 4 and 5 Dreadnoughts. These formidable machines were first forged on the Forge Worlds of Mars and Inadian. Boasting 75mm plating, these dreadnoughts stand at a height of 3.7m with a breadth of 3.4m and length of 2.2m. Weighing in at 12 tons, these behemoths can achieve velocities up to 10 km/hr.
What makes the Castrum stand out is its size and power plant simplicity, which have made it a preferable choice over its technologically advanced contemporaries. Its lower profile allows it to navigate cramped city ruins and starfaring vessels, making it a versatile combatant. Powering these dreadnoughts is a standard thermonuclear reactor, a common feature among Space Marines’ war machines.
Let’s now delve into the Mortis Pattern Dreadnought, a variant with roots traced back to the Castrum. The Mortis differentiates itself by integrating a cutting-edge helical targeting system and exclusively employing long-range weaponry. Its genesis traces back to the era of the Great Crusade when legions demanded heavy fire support and formidable air defense systems. Despite its remarkable precision, the Mortis’ system is fragile and consumes a hefty amount of energy, sometimes halting the dreadnought amidst its barrage.
The Hellfire Dreadnought, like the Mortis, serves as a platform for heavy fire support. Yet, this model is never armed with identical weaponry. It invariably comes equipped with a missile launcher housing eight crack missiles. Unlike the Mortis, the Hellfire can unleash its firepower even while advancing upon the enemy.
The Siege Pattern Dreadnought is another standout variant. It forsakes long-range armaments in favor of an inferno cannon, a huge variant of the standard flame weapon. In close combat, this dreadnought wields an assault drill upon which is mounted a heavy flamer. Its destructive power is unmatched, capable of breaching any fortification and reducing defenders to ash.
Finally, we have the Ironclad Pattern Dreadnought. This variant continues the engineering lineage of the Siege Dreadnought. It’s frontal armor is bolstered by thick ceramite plates, making it a formidable opponent on any battlefield.
So, there you have it! A closer look at the dreadnoughts of the 42nd Millennium. Look forward to more in-depth lore in the next part of this series, and remember, in the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war!
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