Salamanders were the XVIII Legion of the Legiones Astartes, led by the legendary primarch Vulkan. They hail from the planet Nocturne, a world of volcanoes, heat, and metal – the perfect environment for masters of the forge. Vulkan was known for his strength, resilience, and deep compassion for ordinary people.

During the Horus Heresy, the Salamanders were part of the first wave of the assault on Istvan V, where they were betrayed and nearly wiped out in the Drop Site Massacre. Despite losing up to 98% of their fighting force, the survivors continued the fight as unyielding defenders of the Imperium. Their role was tragic but heroic.

Salamanders are renowned for flamethrowers, heavy infantry, and a Promethean culture that emphasizes honor, self-sacrifice, and protection of civilians. Their units, such as Firedrake Terminators, Pyroclasts, and Cassian Dracos, combine devastating power with unwavering resilience. In the Horus Heresy system, they have access to rules such as “Covenant of Fire” and “Awakening Fire”.