Vulkan, Primarch of the XVIIIth Legion, the Salamanders, was the most human of the Emperor's sons: a master smith, a protector of ordinary people and a warrior who could not stay dead. He survived the Drop Site Massacre and Konrad Curze's torture, and his Chapter still waits for him to return.
Vulkan at a glance
| Primarch of | the XVIII Legion |
| Legion | XVIII: Salamanders (Dragon Warriors) |
| Homeworld | Nocturne, a volcanic world |
| Bodyguard | The Pyre Guard |
| Wargear | The Dawnbringer hammer, a cloak of firedrake scales, weapons he forged himself |
| Allegiance | Loyalist |
| Status | Missing. The Salamanders believe he will return |
Who is Vulkan?
Vulkan is the gentle giant among the Primarchs. He is huge, with jet black skin and burning red eyes, and he could crush a tank with his hands. Yet he cared more about protecting civilians than winning glory, and he spent his free hours at the forge rather than the war table. He is also a Perpetual, a being who returns from death, which makes his story one of the strangest of the Heresy.
Origins on Nocturne
Vulkan's capsule landed on Nocturne, a world of volcanoes, earthquakes and ash. Its people lived in a few great settlements and survived a cycle of terrible natural disasters. Raiders from Nocturne's moon also attacked them again and again, taking slaves.
Vulkan was found and raised by N'bel, a blacksmith of the settlement of Hesiod. He grew up learning to work metal, and to help his neighbours rebuild after every disaster. When the raiders came once more, the young Vulkan stood at the front and drove them off almost single-handed. From then on, he was Nocturne's champion.
The contest with the Emperor
When the Emperor came to Nocturne, he arrived in disguise and challenged Vulkan to a contest of strength and skill. They competed to forge the finest blade, then to hunt and kill the most dangerous firedrake on the mountain. Vulkan won the hunt, but slipped at the edge of a volcano while carrying his prize. The stranger caught him and pulled him to safety, giving up his own chance of winning. Vulkan understood that a man who would lose to save a rival was worthy of loyalty. He knelt, and the stranger revealed himself as his father.
The Salamanders Legion
Vulkan took command of the XVIIIth Legion and renamed it the Salamanders. It was one of the smallest Legions, but its warriors were tough, patient and strong. Vulkan taught them to be smiths as well as soldiers, and to value every human life. His personal bodyguard, the Pyre Guard, were his most trusted sons. Many Salamanders later took on Vulkan's dark skin and red eyes, a change caused by their gene-seed and Nocturne's radiation.
The Promethean Creed
Vulkan gave his Legion a way of life known as the Promethean Creed. It teaches self-reliance, sacrifice and strength through hardship, just like life on Nocturne. A Salamander is expected to stand his ground, protect the weak, and craft his own weapons and armour with care. Fire is at the heart of it: fire tests metal, fire purifies, and fire is the Salamanders' favourite weapon on the battlefield.
Master of the forge
Vulkan was the finest smith among the Primarchs, matched only by Ferrus Manus. He forged weapons and armour of incredible quality, some of which still survive as the most precious relics of the Salamanders. The great hammer Dawnbringer and his cloak made from the scales of a firedrake became symbols of the Legion. Even in the middle of a campaign, Vulkan would set up a forge and work through the night.
The Great Crusade
The Salamanders were known for fighting in brutal, close terrain with flamers and meltaguns, and for refusing to abandon civilians. Vulkan often disagreed with brothers who saw ordinary people as expendable. He had a friendly rivalry with Ferrus Manus, a fellow master smith, and the two exchanged weapons they had made for each other.
The Drop Site Massacre
The Salamanders were one of the three loyal Legions sent to punish Horus at Isstvan V. When the second wave of Legions turned traitor, they were caught between two armies. Ferrus was killed, the Salamanders were almost wiped out, and Vulkan vanished in the chaos. For years the Imperium believed he was dead.
Captive of Konrad Curze
Vulkan had in fact been taken by Konrad Curze, the Night Haunter. Curze tortured him and killed him in many cruel ways, but each time Vulkan came back to life. This was the first proof of what he was: a Perpetual. Curze was trying to break his brother's spirit and force him to admit that humanity was as rotten as Curze believed. Vulkan never broke. In the end he escaped.
Return and the Siege of Terra
A small band of Salamanders, led by the Pyre Guard captain Artellus Numeon, had searched for their father for years. After many trials, Vulkan returned to his sons and came at last to Terra. There, deep under the Imperial Palace, he joined the defence of the Imperial Webway, the hidden gate where daemons were pouring in. In the last days of the Siege, Vulkan gave his life holding that gate.
Vulkan Lives
The Salamanders refuse to believe their father is gone for good. Before he disappeared, Vulkan is said to have left the Tome of Fire, a book of prophecies, and hidden nine artefacts across the galaxy for his sons to find. When they are all gathered, Vulkan will come back. The Salamanders' Chapter Master today, Tu'Shan, leads a Chapter still small in number, but still known as the Space Marines most willing to fight for the people of the Imperium.
Personality and brothers
Vulkan was humble, warm and patient, but terrifying when roused. He loved Ferrus Manus like a brother in craft and grieved his death bitterly. He saw Curze as everything a Primarch should not be. He respected Guilliman and Dorn for their care for their people, and was one of the few sons the Emperor openly trusted with the secrets beneath the Palace.
Vulkan FAQ
Is Vulkan alive?
He is missing. He fell during the Siege of Terra, but as a Perpetual he may return, and the Salamanders believe he will.
What is a Perpetual?
A rare human who returns to life after being killed. Vulkan discovered he was one while Konrad Curze held him captive.
Why do Salamanders have black skin?
Their gene-seed and the radiation of Nocturne turn their skin jet black and their eyes red, like Vulkan's.
Who captured Vulkan?
Konrad Curze, Primarch of the Night Lords, after the Drop Site Massacre.
Books to read
- Vulkan Lives (Nick Kyme)
- Deathfire (Nick Kyme)
- Promethean Sun (Nick Kyme)
- Salamander (Nick Kyme)
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