The Deredeo Dreadnought is a Space Marine heavy weapons platform built during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. It trades the Contemptor’s assault role for massed firepower, making it a prized asset for any Legion.
Overview
The Deredeo is a pattern of Dreadnought that shares much of its core design with the Contemptor class, but it’s built for heavy fire support rather than close combat. It was developed from the same project that produced early Legiones Astartes Dreadnoughts like the Castraferrum and Lucifer patterns.
Instead of charging into melee, the Deredeo stands back and unleashes devastating volleys. Its chassis offers stability and durability, letting it carry weapons that would normally need a tank. That combination made it a specialist unit, and it was never as common as the Contemptor.
Origins and use in the Horus Heresy
The Deredeo first appeared in limited numbers across the Legions. It was resource-intensive to build and maintain, so only a few Forge Worlds could produce them. That scarcity kept it rare during the Great Crusade.
Once the Horus Heresy broke out, demand for the Deredeo skyrocketed. Its survivability and killing power made it invaluable to both Loyalist and Traitor forces, and it saw a resurgence in use as the war dragged on.
Weapons and wargear
The Deredeo was used as a test-bed for several advanced weapons. Its main armament options include the Anvilus Autocannon Battery, Hellfire Plasma Cannonade, Arachnus Heavy Lascannon Battery, and Volkite Falconet. It can also mount a carapace-mounted Aiolos missile launcher that targets enemies independently.
For close defence or anti-infantry work, it can carry Heavy Flamers or Heavy Bolters. Against aircraft, it fires Boreas Air Defence Missiles. The Deredeo also features a Helical Targeting Array and Atomantic Shielding, which improve its accuracy and protect it from incoming fire.
- Anvilus Autocannon Battery
- Hellfire Plasma Cannonade
- Arachnus Heavy Lascannon Battery
- Volkite Falconet
- Aiolos missile launcher (carapace-mounted)
- Boreas Air Defence Missiles (anti-aircraft)
- Heavy Flamers or Heavy Bolters
Notable Deredeo Dreadnoughts
A few Deredeo Dreadnoughts are named in records. Argan and Menarrio served with the Ultramarines, while Thaxxos fought with the World Eaters. These examples show the pattern wasn’t limited to one Legion.
- Argan, Ultramarines
- Menarrio, Ultramarines
- Thaxxos, World Eaters
Development history and legacy
In the earliest edition of Warhammer 40,000, the Deredeo, Contemptor, and Furibundus were just different weapon loadouts for the same Dreadnought chassis. The Deredeo was even nicknamed “Eddy” during development.
Today, the Deredeo is mainly a Horus Heresy unit, but its design influenced later Dreadnoughts. It remains a fan favourite for its distinctive silhouette and overwhelming firepower.
Key facts
- The Deredeo Dreadnought is a heavy weapons platform used by the Legiones Astartes during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.
- It shares core systems with the Contemptor Dreadnought but is designed for fire support, not assault.
- It was resource-intensive to produce, making it rare until demand surged during the Horus Heresy.
- Its armaments include autocannons, plasma cannonades, lascannons, volkite weapons, and missile launchers.
- It features a Helical Targeting Array and Atomantic Shielding for accuracy and protection.
FAQ
What is the Deredeo Dreadnought?
It’s a Space Marine Dreadnought pattern from the Horus Heresy, built as a heavy weapons platform rather than an assault unit. It shares components with the Contemptor but focuses on long-range firepower.
What weapons can the Deredeo carry?
It can mount an Anvilus Autocannon Battery, Hellfire Plasma Cannonade, Arachnus Heavy Lascannons, Volkite Falconet, and an Aiolos missile launcher. It also has options for Heavy Flamers, Heavy Bolters, and Boreas anti-air missiles.
When was the Deredeo used?
It was deployed during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy. It was rare at first due to production difficulties, but saw wider use as the Heresy wore on.