Rogal Dorn vanished around ~781.M31, boarding the Chaos warship Sword of Sacrilege—only his hand was found. In 2025, The Beast Arises’ clue divides veterans: is Dorn alive, ready to lead again, or truly gone? Let’s explore his history, hear what people are saying, and this must mean something for the game, is not it?
The History So Far
Rogal Dorn was a Primarch, one of the Emperor’s sons, leading the Imperial Fists. He held Terra strong during the Horus Heresy, as shown in Praetorian of Dorn, and faced the Iron Warriors in the Iron Cage (~012.M31), a tough fight that marked his legion. His last stand came during the 1st Black Crusade (~781.M31), boarding the Sword of Sacrilege, where only his hand was found—now a relic for the Fists. In The Beast Arises: The Beheading, Vulkan hints he’ll “speak well of you to Dorn,” leaving room for hope. Games Workshop keeps quiet on his fate.
What Fans Think
Some fans hope Dorn will return, leading Imperial Fists with new units—maybe a 2+ save and Storm’s Teeth, like Codex: Space Marines suggests for Primarchs. Others believe he died on the Sword of Sacrilege and won’t come back. On r/40kLore, some say he’s been hiding on the Phalanx, training in secret. Spikey Bits hints he might face Chaos soon, but there’s no proof. Black Templars fans point to visions in Fulgrim: The Perfect Son of a “golden crusader,” while Crimson Fists guard his hand, expecting his return.
A Veteran’s Thoughts
I started with Warhammer 40K 2nd Edition, drawn to Dorn’s story in Index Astartes II. Back then, he was a hero lost to the Black Crusade, his hand a somber relic. Now, with 10th Edition, his return could shake the game. Compared to Guilliman’s army-wide rerolls from Codex: Space Marines or the Lion’s mobile Arks of Omen buffs, Dorn might focus on siege strength—perhaps +1 cover saves or +1 to wound in defensive setups. His buffs could make Centurions (200 points) nearly invincible with a 2+ save in cover, per Codex: Space Marines, or give the Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 points) unshiftable staying power, unlike the Lion’s Bladeguard Veteran boosts from Arks of Omen. His return could bridge Imperium Nihilus, per Dawn of Fire, counter the Silent King’s advance from The World Engine, reinforce Baal post-Devastation of Baal, and lead Titus in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s campaign, sparking Templar crusades amid the Indomitus Crusade’s chaos. Goonhammer’s 2025 notes suggest Games Workshop might tease returns to sell models, a trend with Primarch releases.
Keep the Lore Going
Will Rogal Dorn return? The 1st Black Crusade leaves it open, and Vulkan’s hint keeps the idea alive—2025 brings no new proof, though. You fans want clear answers, so check Lexicanum, test theories in games, and share on X. As Dorn said in Praetorian of Dorn, “I am a warrior,” and in Horus Heresy, “Discipline. Duty. Unyielding Will,” driving us forward. For the Emperor!
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