Blog Post Title: The Fiery Trials of Vulcan, the Lord of Drakes – A Glimpse into the Heart of Warhammer 40,000
The Space Marines, revered defenders of mankind in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, strike fear into the hearts of both allies and enemies alike. Often, they’re viewed as greater threats than the alien Zenos. After the victory in a fierce battle, Primarch Vulcan, leader of the Salamanders Legion, attempted to quell this fear. He removed his helmet, intending to show the survivors that the Emperor’s wars weren’t fought by monstrous beings. But the shock and horror etched onto the faces of the mortals told a different story.
Vulcan, a warrior of tremendous might and nobility, grappled with the harsh realities of warfare. The death of warriors, constantly under threat, was a reality he could accept. But the death of ordinary people was a tragedy he believed should not have occurred. Yet, as the peril of Zenos worship loomed, Vulcan was forced to issue an order that would forever haunt him: the extermination of the entire population of Ibsion, including Eldar and humans alike.
Vulcan’s actions, though harsh, were deemed necessary. He had no other choice. Consequently, the dead world was renamed Caldera and resettled by new colonists. However, the guilt and the struggle between duty and righteousness never left Vulcan. He harboured a dream of a peaceful life as a farmer after the end of the Great War, a testament to his belief that a hammer could be a weapon of destruction, and yet, a tool of creation.
The Salamanders Legion’s following campaign took them to Karaton, where they were joined by Conrad Keres, the Night Lord, Titans of Legio Ignis, and several regiments of the Imperial Army. However, Vulcan’s compassion for mortals clashed with Conrad’s disdain for them, sparking a confrontation that nearly resulted in fratricide.
On Karaton, Vulcan was exposed to the cruel tactics employed by his brother. Conrad ordered the annihilation of one of Karaton’s largest cities, sewing terror among its inhabitants. The sight of the senseless massacre filled Vulcan with rage. He was taunted and provoked by Conrad, who aimed to demonstrate that Vulcan was as much a murderer as any of the Primarchs.
Haunted by the flames of Ibsion and faced with the devastation of Karaton, Vulcan questioned his actions and feared the number of worlds he would have to burn before the war ended. A confrontation ensued, with Vulcan nearly strangling his brother. However, Conrad welcomed this, viewing it as proof of their shared brutality.
Horrified by the events on Karaton and Conrad’s treachery, Vulcan confided in Rogul Dorn and Horus Lupercal, whom he considered close friends. This marked the beginning of a bitter feud between Vulcan and Conrad, leading to further bloodshed in the Istvan system, where the Emperor had dispatched seven full Legions to quell the rebellious forces.
Unaware of the treachery within his ranks, Vulcan feared for Horus, believing he would regret his actions. As the first landing crafts descended onto Istvan 5, the sky was filled with the fire of traitorous guns, marking the beginning of a new chapter of strife and betrayal in the tumultuous saga of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Leave a Reply