Grey Knights Dreadnought

The Aegis Dreadnought, also known as the Mark VI Dreadnought, or simply the Grey Knights' Dreadnought is a variant of the standard Imperial Dreadnought combat walker used by the Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes. Dreadnoughts are cybernetic combat walkers that house the mortal remains of a fallen Space Marine hero so that he may continue fighting for the Emperor and his Chapter even after his body has been fatally crippled. The Aegis Dreadnought one of the rarest and most advanced Dreadnought variants in Imperial service, this stems from the fact that the Aegis Dreadnought is used exclusively by the Grey Knights Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, and that because many of the Grey Knights themselves would rather die in combat and be laid to rest in the Dead Fields under their Fortress-Monastery on Titan than be placed in the armoured sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. The other reason for the rarity of the Aegis Dreadnought pattern is its use of the Aegis system, which is a complex network of protective prayers, runes and other wards which are psychically charged to provide better protection from the sorcerous powers of Daemons and other servants of Chaos. While an Aegis Dreadnought is a fearsome opponent to face on the battlefield, the Aegis Dreadnought can provide more than just fire support to his Battle-Brothers, he is also able to support his brothers with enhanced psychic defenses, this is possible due to the psyber-circuitry that is part of the Aegis Dreadnought's sarcophagus which can link its own Aegis field to that of nearby Battle-Brothers thus creating a series of wards that is much stronger than before.

History
An Aegis Dreadnought is seen as a living connection to the Grey Knights' many millennia of history and are considered ancient relics instead of war-machines. This is because they represent the living embodiment of past victories, great deeds, fallen heroes, unquestionable loyalties and proven honour. In this way they serve the Chapter as a potent symbol of what they are and what they stand for in their service to the Imperium and the Emperor, in which they provide the Grey Knights' with a legendary past through which many living Battle-Brothers strive to emulate. This makes them precious and worthy of the utmost respect as they are venerated for the wealth of experience as well as wise council that they provide to their brethren. All of the Grey Knight's ten Companies have their own Aegis Dreadnoughts, most are past Grand Masters or Captain, yet there are some who were not but a low ranking Battle-Brother who demonstrated exceptional courage and heroism in battle, and as only the most worthy are placed within a Dreadnought, it is seen as perhaps the greatest honour that the Chapter can bestow. It is customary for personal consent to be given before the procedure can begin to place a mortally wounded Grey Knight warrior into an Aegis Dreadnought. This is because many Battle-Brothers prefer to rest in peace as heroes of the Chapter in the Dead Fields below the Fortress-Monastery on Titan. There, the name of the Grey Knight is engraved in their crypt alongside other great warriors which is a fitting end for their lifetime of service to the Imperium. The Aegis Dreadnoughts of the Grey Knights are only awakened during times when victory cannot be achieved through mortal men alone, during these times when it is decided that the greatest heroes of the Chapter need to be assembled the Master Armourers of the Grey Knights enter into the Chamber of Heroes in order to begin the awakening procedures. Aegis Dreadnoughts are only ever awoken in times of dire need as the Grand Masters feel that reliance on these ancient warriors is to dishonour their gift of service.

Armament
The Aegis Dreadnought is armed with rare weaponry that is used exclusively by the Grey Knights Chapter, such as the Power Halbard and the powerful Psycannon. The most common load-out for an Aegis Dreadnought is a Dreadnought Close Combat Weapon such as a Nemesis Doomfist with an in-built Storm Bolter and a weapon arm that can be either a twin-linked Lascannon, twin-linked Heavy Bolter, twin-linked Autocannon, an Assault Cannon, a Multi-Melta, and a Plasma Cannon. The Dreadnought's Storm Bolter can be replaced with either a Heavy Flamer, an Incinerator or the entire close-combat weapon arm can be replaced with a Missile Launcher. The vehicle's secondary Bolter weaponry can be armed with Psycannon Bolts, making them more effective against Psykers and Daemons. Aegis Dreadnoughts can also be equipped with Hunter-Killer Missile Launchers, extra armour plating, a searchlight, and smoke launchers. The Dreadnought's Machine Spirit can also be blessed by the Chapter's Techmarines to purify it against daemonic attack. The Dreadnought's sarcophagus can also be be turned into a sacred hull, which is covered in potent icons of faith, scriptures, purity seals, and inscriptions of abjuration, making it extremely difficult for a Daemon or its kin to even approach such a potent symbol of faith.

Known Aegis Dreadnoughts

 * Venerable Orias - Venerable Orias is an Aegis Venerable Dreadnought and former Grey Knights Grand Master who was interred into a Dreadnought in M39 after dueling with the Daemon Prince Herperitus, the Plague Lord of the Death Guard Traitor Legion.
 * Brother Fidelis - Brother Fidelis is a MkV Aegis Hellfire Dreadnought and former Grey Knights' 5th Company Brother-Captain, Fidelis was mortally wounded in combat with Vexcarnel the Blue, the Beast of Barac.
 * Brother Uphur - Brother Uphur is a MkIV Aegis Dreadnought and former Grey Knights Justicar, he was the sole survivor of the Kasdeya Incursion, although heavily wounded himself.
 * Brother Valafar - Brother Valafar was a MkIV Aegis Dreadnought and former Brother-Captain of the Grey Knights' 7th Company. Brother Valafar and his Aegis Dreadnought suit were destroyed fighting against the Forces of Chaos during the 13th Black Crusade of Abaddon the Despoiler.
 * Ancient Aeneas - Ancient Aeneas is a MkIV Aegis Dreadnought and former Grey Knights Grand Master who led the Chapter for 55 years during M37, he was interred into his Dreadnought armour after being mortally wounded in combat with Ahriman the Arch-Sorcerer.
 * Brother Mordechai - Brother Mordechai is a MkIV Aegis Dreadnought of the Grey Knights Chapter, he was part of Brother-Captain Arvann Stern's strike force during the Siege of Vraks.

Also See

 * Imperial Vehicles

Gallery
[[Category:A]]