The Contemptor Dreadnought is a Space Marine war machine from the Horus Heresy era. It’s bigger, faster, and more advanced than the standard Castraferrum pattern, and in the 41st Millennium it’s a revered relic.
What is the Contemptor Dreadnought?
The Contemptor is a Dreadnought pattern developed just before the Horus Heresy. It was a recent design compared to older types like the Lucifer and Castraferrum, and it became the standard during the Great Crusade.
It’s larger and more powerful than standard Dreadnoughts. Its Atomantic arc-reactor gives it enhanced speed and strength, plus defensive energy fields. That power comes at a cost: it needs more maintenance, and if the reactor is breached, it can melt down catastrophically.
Why it matters
The Contemptor shares systems with the near-mythical battle-automata of the Legio Cybernetica, which might explain why so few remain in service by M41. The Adeptus Mechanicus can no longer build new ones, or the knowledge is a closely guarded secret.
Those that survive are treated as sacred relics. Chapters lucky enough to have one often cover its sarcophagus with scripture and honour scrolls to commemorate the hero inside.
Wargear and variants
A standard Contemptor carries a twin-linked heavy bolter, a Dreadnought close combat weapon with an inbuilt storm bolter, and smoke launchers. It can be armed with other weapons too.
There are several variants. The Contemptor-Cortus is a stopgap version, the Contemptor-Mortis is built for anti-air, and the Contemptor-Incaendius is used by the Blood Angels. The Osiron is a Thousand Sons variant. The Legio Custodes field the Contemptor-Achillus and Contemptor-Galatus.
| Variant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Contemptor-Cortus | Simplified, rushed production |
| Contemptor-Mortis | Anti-aircraft specialist |
| Contemptor-Incaendius | Blood Angels legion variant |
| Osiron | Thousand Sons legion variant |
| Contemptor-Achillus | Legio Custodes, close combat |
| Contemptor-Galatus | Legio Custodes, defensive |
Contemptors in the 41st Millennium
By M41, the Castaferrum pattern is the most common Dreadnought. Contemptors are rare, but some Chapters still field them as relics. Chaos Space Marines use corrupted Contemptors, and the Adeptus Custodes maintain their own Venerable Contemptor Dreadnoughts.
Key facts
- The Contemptor is a Space Marine Dreadnought pattern from before the Horus Heresy.
- It’s larger and more powerful than standard Dreadnoughts, with an Atomantic arc-reactor.
- The reactor gives speed and shielding but risks catastrophic meltdown if breached.
- By M41, Contemptors are rare relics; the Castaferrum is the common pattern.
- Variants include the Cortus, Mortis, Incaendius, Osiron, Achillus, and Galatus.
- Chaos Space Marines and the Adeptus Custodes also field Contemptor variants.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Contemptor and a standard Dreadnought?
The Contemptor is larger, faster, and more powerful. It uses an Atomantic arc-reactor for enhanced speed and strength, plus energy shielding, but it’s harder to maintain and can melt down if the reactor is breached.
Can the Imperium still build Contemptor Dreadnoughts?
No. The ability to create new Contemptors is lost to the Adeptus Mechanicus, or it’s a secret held by certain Tech-Priest factions. Existing ones are treated as relics.
Do Chaos Space Marines use Contemptor Dreadnoughts?
Yes. Chaos Space Marines field corrupted Contemptor Dreadnoughts, often as ancient relics from the Horus Heresy.