Remains of Rogal Dorn
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The remains of Rogal Dorn are the holiest relics belonging to the Imperial Fists. The full skeleton of their Primarch Rogal Dorn is in the possession of the Chapter, although it is separated into two separate relics: skeleton of the rest of his body[1][Conflicting Sources] and the Dorn's skeletal hands.[1][2][3][4] The remains are displayed within the inner chapel of the reclusiam aboard the Phalanx.[1]
Contents
The Skeletal Body of Rogal Dorn
The skeletal body of Rogal Dorn is embedded in clear amber shaped in the form of the deceased Primarch. In ceremonies of great importance, light shining through a hole in the center of the inner chapel is directed by mirror at the amber-encased skeleton. The light illuminates the form of the Primarch in a fluorescent green, giving the impression that the mock-flesh is alive once more, though gangrenous.[1][Conflicting Sources]
The Skeletal Hands of Rogal Dorn
It has been stated that the Imperial Fist chapter has both Dorn's skeletal hands displayed within two ormolu shrines secluded beyond ornate double doors. The hands themselves are contained within transparent stasis-cases at the center of the shrines.[1] But it has also been stated that only a singel skeletal fist remains of the Primarch,[3][4] respectively that of the remains of Dorn recovered has his skeletal hand continued to be maintained in stasis[2]
But the different sources agree that the bones of the hand (or hands) are inscribed with the names and heraldry of the former Masters of the Chapter, a rite every Chapter Master undergoes upon assuming his office.[1][3][4] This constitutes the highest form of the Chapter's tradition of scrimshaw. The bones have become covered in names and heraldry over the Imperial Fists' ten thousand year history, although more space still remains.[1] It serves as a constant reminder of his sacrifice[3] and the commitment expected of a Space Marine.[2]
It is a ritual for a Chaplain to read every name inscribed on Dorn's skeletal hands and to announce the position on the bones each name is located.[1] The names and corresponding positions of the Chapter Masters include:
- First metacarpal: Bronwin Abermort, Maximus Thane, Kalman Flodensbog.[1]
- Proximal phalanx of thumb: Ambrosian Spactor[1]
Trivia
Conflicting Sources
In Space Marine (Novel) it is stated that the Imperial Fist have Rogal Dorn's whole skeleton and display both of his hands separately from the rest of the skeleton.[1]
In the Index Astartes: Emperor's Fist: The Imperial Fists Space Marine Chapter article it's written that unstated remains was recovered, and Dorn's singel engraved skeletal hand kept in stasis as the Imperial Fist's holiest icon.[2]
While in Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition) and Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex) is it stated that the Imperial Fist defeated the Chaos fleet and in the following search a singel fist was the only trace found of the Primarch.[3][4]
See Also
Sources
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- 1: Space Marine (Novel), Chapter VI
Heretic Tomes - 2: Index Astartes: Emperor's Fist: The Imperial Fists Space Marine Chapter — The New Imperium
- 3: Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition), pg. 36 — The Hand of Dorn
- 4: Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex), pg. 31 — Dorn's Legacy
