Dark Communion
The Dark Communion is a ritual performed by veteran Chaos Space Marines in order to stabilize their mental condition.[1]
Overview
It is not uncommon for Chaos Space Marines to be several millennia old, the oldest hailing from the ancient days of the Horus Heresy. During their long lives under the sway of Chaos, the weight of the accumulated memories of several millennia can affect their minds negatively. As a consequence, a Chaos Space Marine may become increasingly insane; at the worst it causes him to devolve into a mindless Chaos Spawn.[1]
The Dark Communion serves the purpose of clearing the mind of memories a Chaos Space Marine deems unnecessary and preserving those he holds dear, thus easing his mental burden. The ritual is performed with the aid of drugs and chants, though experienced Chaos Sorcerers are able to rely on their psychic powers and practice.[1]
While the performance of the Dark Communion prevents Chaos Space Marines from completely losing their minds, it is no real proof against insanity. Even Traitor Marines who undergo it repeatedly are known to have fits of madness that can last centuries.[1]
The Ritual
The first level of the Dark Communion requires the Marine to turn his gaze inward and visualize his memories. In the case of the Chaos Sorcerer Karlsen, this visualization can take the form of a cavern with numerous pigeon-holes, each representing a space in his mind where selected memories could be preserved indefinitely. Each preserved memory would be represented as a glowing gem.[1]
In this state, the Chaos Marine is able to focus on recent events, reduce them to their essential core and store them in his mind for as long as he lives. He may also go through past memories and relive them at will.[1]
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (2nd Edition), pgs. 78-80 - Dark Communion
