As we continue our multi-part series on the vast and unending war that consumes the Galaxy, we turn our attention to the beacon of Imperial might, the Ironclad Dreadnought. This formidable machine has been primarily deployed to breach the fortified defenses of The Emperor’s foes. Unlike its Siege counterparts, it lacks the heavy, long-range artillery of the Adepto Aartis and instead, it’s armed with the hurricane bolter, a weapon of righteous fury extremely effective against infantry masses.
However, this armament’s wrath is less potent against armored Walkers of War. Often, the Ironclad Dreadnought is not fitted with long-range death instruments at all, instead opting for close quarter instruments of doom. These include the power claw, the seismic hammer, and the chainfist. While the power claw and chainfist echo the destructive prowess of their infantry-based kin, the seismic hammer offers unique devastation to the dreadnought arsenal.
Depending on the forge that birthed it, the seismic hammer might resemble a massive hammer, its head adorned with the noble eagle, a symbol of the Imperium. Alternatively, it might look like a technologically advanced construct akin to those of the fifth design. Regardless of its design, the seismic hammer’s operation remains the same. Unleashing a devastating shockwave that turns defenses into dust and debris, this weapon is truly a testament to Imperial might.
The Ironclad Dreadnought is known for its extra plating, increasing its size and making it tower above its brethren models by a full 10 cm. This is a testament to its enhanced durability and its role as a harbinger of destruction for the enemies of man. Despite its increased mass, it remains capable of attaining a speed of 10 km per hour, making it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Among the notable features of this dreadnought variant are the installation of hunter-killer missile arrays and assault grenade launchers. However, this additional protection comes at the cost of versatility. But fear not, for subsequent incarnations of the dreadnought, known as Castrum, were conceived within the sacred forges of the chapter and did not attain widespread dissemination.
The Furioso variant was birthed by the Master of the Forge of the Blood Angels in the 35th Millennium on Bal. Reflecting his chapter’s proclivity for close quarter combat, the Master of the Forge transformed the standard Castrum into an Assault Vanguard unit for the dreadnought. The Furioso employs either the bloodclaw or the blood fists for close combat, both weapons capable of sundering entire enemy detachments with a single sweep.
Beyond the standard issue storm bolters and flamethrowers, the Furioso model can mount additional weaponry on its arms dedicated to close combat. For those seeking heavy caliber weaponry, the option for a fragmentation cannon exists. However, despite its deadly potential, there have been recorded instances where the shrapnel from this armament was halted by standard infantry armor.
Lastly, it is imperative to mention the dreadnoughts forged by the Blood Angels based on the Furioso template: The Death Company Dreadnought and the Librarian Dreadnought. The former variant encases a brother struck down by the Black Rage, a grim reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of the Emperor.
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