The Salamanders are a revered and unique Chapter of the Space Marines, known not only for their martial prowess but for their rare compassion in a galaxy consumed by endless war. Originally one of the twenty Legions created during the Great Crusade, they were the XVIII Legion and were led by their Primarch, Vulkan—a towering, noble warrior who embodied the ideals of self-sacrifice, strength, and protection. Vulkan was discovered on the harsh volcanic world of Nocturne, which became the Salamanders' homeworld. The planet's extreme conditions shaped the Salamanders into some of the toughest warriors in the Imperium, and its culture forged a deep respect for craftsmanship, honor, and the value of human life. What truly sets the Salamanders apart from many of their brother Chapters is their humanitarian outlook. While most Space Marines see civilians as expendable or beneath their notice, the Salamanders believe in safeguarding the lives of the people they fight for. This ethos originates from Vulkan’s teachings and the Promethean Cult, a spiritual belief system that emphasizes resilience, duty, and the symbolic power of fire. Fire, to the Salamanders, represents both destruction and purification—tools for justice and retribution. In battle, the Salamanders favor close-range warfare. They are renowned for their use of flamers, melta weapons, and heavy plasma guns, with tactics focused on overwhelming enemies in brutal, short-range confrontations. Rather than fast or stealthy assaults, they rely on unyielding strength and relentless firepower, often fighting in siege warfare or urban environments. Their skill as artisans also plays a major role in their warfare—each Salamander personally forges and maintains his own weapons and armor, often elaborately inscribed with fire motifs or personal heraldry. Physically, the Salamanders are quite distinct from other Space Marines. Due to their gene-seed and prolonged exposure to Nocturne’s radiation, they have obsidian-black skin and glowing red eyes. Although this gives them a fearsome appearance, particularly to the civilians they defend, their demeanor is often calm, measured, and even gentle when not engaged in battle. Despite their virtues, the Salamanders are a relatively small Chapter. They suffered immense losses during the Horus Heresy, particularly at the Dropsite Massacre on Istvaan V, where many of Vulkan’s sons were betrayed and slain. Vulkan himself disappeared during this time, though the Salamanders believe he still lives. As a Perpetual, Vulkan is said to be immortal, capable of returning even from death, and the Chapter holds faith that he will one day return to lead them again. In the meantime, they continue a sacred quest to recover the Seven Artefacts of Vulkan, powerful relics left behind by their Primarch. Though often overlooked by more politically active Chapters like the Ultramarines or the glory-seeking Space Wolves, the Salamanders stand as one of the most morally grounded and heroic forces in the Imperium—warriors who remember why humanity is worth saving, and fight not just for the Emperor, but for those who cannot fight for themselves.