Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought
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With 10,000 years of doing absolutely nothing other than massaging each other with body oil and being glorified tourist traps, the equipment of the Emprah's posse started to get mothballed and it really shows. The Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought is currently the main Dreadnought pattern for the Custodes and it is a pretty sad and sorry state of affairs when even the Emperor's bodyguards can't even properly maintain their glorious golden military in functioning order. Either that, or the Custodes had some massive budget cuts after all these years of standing ground.
On the other hand, the fact that a Dreadnought pattern that even the First Founding Chapters are lucky to get their hands on is considered the "inferior" option says quite a lot about the Custodes' armaments.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought essentially have the same armaments as your typical Contemptor Dreadnought. But because it is decked out in Auramite, they are automatically given the title of 'Venerable'. As you know, in contrast to the far more superior and badass looking Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought, the Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought is somewhat lacking in the 'unique' department.
The Dreadnought is equipped with the standard issue Assault Cannon and power fist as aforementioned. Yet it is not the machine that counts, you are still taking on a member of the god damned Adeptus Custodes mind you, so this gold plated Dreadnought still has all the experience and know-how of a Custodian Guard.
Tabletop[edit | edit source]
In 7th Edition, for just 30 more points you get the Aegis (Which grants a 5+ invulnerable save), and Deep Strike abilities, plus the aforementioned venerable. Considered as a cheaper alternative to the Custodes' walkers, the Venerable Dreadnought offers some choice in a time when the Galatus Dreadnought was yet seen as available or affordable.
In 8th Edition, they are the uber Contemptor Dreadnought. It does dreadnought things, but with a 5++ and the ability to ignore regular wounds on 6s (Being nearly as tough as some Nurgle followers) thanks to the Unyielding Ancient special rule. With the From Golden Light They Come stratagem, you can now deep strike these guys right up in your opponent's face and force them to deal with it.
They are also your heaviest hitting non-FW melee unit coming in at S14 with its melee weapon, and although your army is hitting with at least S6 ap-2 this is not enough to take big beasties like Magnus down in one or two rounds of melee. Its incredible durability also allows it to play the role of DISTRACTION CARNIFEX (most custodes units can play the role of a DISTRACTION CARNIFEX better than an actual carnifex), especially as deep striking one of these behind enemy lines will guarantee that your opponent is distracted. Also useful for killing vehicles, since its multi-melta is a far cheaper alternative to bringing along a Land Raider.
Forces of the Adeptus Custodes | ||||||
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Command: | Companions/Hetaeron - Shield-Captain - Blade Champion | |||||
Troops: | Allarus Custodians - Aquilon Terminator - Custodian Guard Custodian Warden - Sagittarum Guard - Sentinel Guard Vexilus Praetor - Venatari - Warder | |||||
Walkers: | Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought - Telemon Heavy Dreadnought Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought | |||||
Transports: | Coronus Grav Carrier - Grav-Rhino Rhino - Venerable Land Raider | |||||
Vehicles: | Caladius Grav-Tank - Dawneagle Jetbike Gyrfalcon Pattern Jetbike - Pallas Grav-Attack | |||||
Flyers: | Ares Gunship - Orion Gunship - Stormbird | |||||
Titans: | Warlord-Sinister Pattern Battle Psi-Titan | |||||
Spacecraft: | Drop Pod | |||||
Auxiliaries: | Sisters of Silence - Solar Auxilia |