Warhammer 40k Archives

The Unyielding Salamanders: A Legacy of Fire and Steel

In the aftermath of the Dropsite Massacre, the Salamanders Legion was left shattered and fragmented. However, their unyielding spirit and determination to avenge their fallen brothers only grew stronger. Led by Vulkan, the three Salamanders who discovered his resurrection were dubbed the Draaksward and embarked on a perilous journey through the Webway.

Vulkan’s Quest

Guided by the Talisman of Seven Hammers, the Draaksward eventually arrived at the Imperial Palace, where Vulkan met with the Emperor. There, he learned of his purpose in overseeing the activation of the Talisman, which would bring about the destruction of Terra should Horus emerge victorious.

A Campaign of Vengeance

Meanwhile, Salamanders survivors began a campaign of vengeance against those who betrayed them. They struck at Fulgrim and Perturabo on the Crone World of Iydris, as well as Alpha Legion outposts. Other Salamanders survivors launched a guerrilla war against the traitors, most notably under Shadrak Meduson.

The Disciples of the Flames

One force of Salamanders, supported by other Shattered Legion members, ventured to Isstvan V on the Ebon Drake. There, they recovered Cassian Vaughn, who assumed command of the mixed band and reorganized them as the Disciples of the Flames. The Disciples went on to fight in the Mezoan Campaign, saving Mezoa from traitors and absorbing a large contingent of Iron Warriors.

Post-Heresy Reorganization

Following the Heresy, the Salamanders altered their squad-level organization to follow the strictures of the new Codex Astartes. However, they were able to retain much of their Legion organization, possibly due to their limited numbers. Until the Ultima Founding, the Salamanders were officially reckoned to have no descendants, although several Imperial scholars pointed out similarities in unit markings and tactical dogma in the Storm Giants and Black Dragons Chapters.

Recent Events

The Salamanders have continued to forge themselves anew, drawing their steel in defense of the Imperium. Recent events include:

• The Hunt for Bile (M31): Vulkan led a hunt for Fabius Bile after learning of the horrors inflicted upon the civilians of Terra during the final stages of the Heresy.
• The War of the Beast (M32): The Salamanders took part in this conflict, fighting against the forces of Chaos.
• Commorragh Raid (M35): The Salamanders launched a raid on the Dark Eldar city of Commorragh.
• The War of Flames (M36): The Salamanders battled Perigno, the right-hand man of Goge Vandire.
• Repelling of Daemon Incursion (M38): The Salamanders successfully purged a Daemon incursion on a Shrine World.
• The Fires of Phaistos (M39): The entire Salamanders Chapter mobilized to defend the Cardinal World of Phaistos Osiris from Ork invasion.

The Salamanders continue to uphold their legacy of fire and steel, standing strong against the forces of darkness that threaten the Imperium.