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Scrimshaw

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Scrimshaw is a cultural practice of the Imperial Fists. It relates to the Chapter's overall attention to detail and self-discipline associated with the characteristics of their Geneseed.

Background

The Imperial Fists practice scrimshaw using bones from the hands of their dead. After battle, Space Marines who distinguished themselves in the recent combat are awarded the skeletal hands of fallen battle-brothers, the individual bones of which are adorned with carvings, designs, and otherwise ornamented. Scrimshaw is undertaken solemnly by members of the Chapter as an opportunity to practice mental discipline, focus, attention to detail and coping with battle stress. Finished scrimshaws are worn as jewelry and ornamentation, particularly by officers, but are also collected and used to decorate the the facilities of the Imperial Fists generally.

The designs used in scrimshaw vary widely and include mellow scenes, weapons, armor and depictions of battle.1ch4

Relevant Quotes

  • “We believe in meticulous, scrupulous conduct and tactics. Hence, the renowned courtesy and the artistry of our Chapter. As you mature, the fingers of your fists, when idle, may well itch to scribe wondrous designs upon the finger bones of your dead Brethren, honouring and adorning their now fleshless fists. This is how we love to express our dextrous craftsmanship. Within the mighty power glove which can crush an alien skull like a puffball, there resides such microscopic discipline!...Aye, after a battle once you have recited your thanksgivings, or prior to a campaign, while youare girding your soul for a crusade...many of you may yearn to kneel in your cell with saw and magnilens, with rasp and buffing wheel and carbide graver, with brush and inkhorn. And with the hand bones of a slaughtered or euthanased comrade in front of you...”1ch4
-Battle-Brother Rhetoricus introducing the practice of scrimshaw to new recruits.
  • "Fists of beauty,
Fingers of death;
Emperors fists,
With death is our tryst"1ch4
-Battle-Brother Rhetoricus reciting a poem on the cultural significance of scrimshaw to the Chapter.

Notable Instances of Scrimshaw

  • In order to overcome the grief of his Battle-Brothers' death, Lexandro D'Arquebus removed the flesh from his hand and scrimshawed the names of the fallen - Biff Tundrish and Yeremi Valence - on his bare bones along with the words "Necromunda" and "Trazior Hive," the world and location from which he and his fallen brethren were recruited. The flesh on the hand was later replaced.1ch20
  • A pair of unidentified Battle-Brothers engage in an honor duel over a disagreement over the proper stages of preparation for scrimshawing.1ch4

See Also

Sources