Firedrakes
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This article is about the Heresy-era Terminator formation; for the 1st Company of the Salamanders, see 1st Company (Salamanders). |
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This article is about the Heresy-era Terminator formation; for the novel by Nick Kyme, see Firedrake (Novel). |
The Firedrakes were the elite Terminators of the Salamanders Space Marine Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.
Overview
They were chosen not simply because of their skill but also because of their resilience, discipline, and self-sacrificing nature (these being the traits that the Promethean Cult holds in the highest esteem). Firedrakes possessed a singular focus in battle which bordered on preternatural and legendary resilience - a matter as much to do with their willpower as their superhuman physiology. Firedrakes could be found fulfilling numerous rules throughout the Salamanders ranks rather than concentrated into elitist cadres (as was the case in most other Legions). The exception to this, however, was the Pyre Guard, who served as Vulkan's praetorian guard and advisers.[1]
Following the Horus Heresy, the Firedrakes were made the First Company of the Salamanders Chapter. The Captain of the Firedrakes also serves as Regent of Nocturne and Chapter Master, as the Salamanders believe that Vulkan lives and will return to lead the Chapter once more. For operations involving the Firedrakes, the senior Veteran Sergeant is chosen to lead the Firedrakes when the Chapter Master is unable to so.[2]
Today, Firedrakes are the only Salamanders whose home garrison is not amongst the civilian population of Nocturne. They instead serve as the guardians of the Salamanders Fortress-Monastery of Prometheus. They are singular fighters who favor Heavy Flamers, Thunder Hammers, and Storm Shields.[3]
Images
Sources
- 1: The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre, pg. 249
- 2: Codex: Space Marines (6th Edition) (Ebook) - Salamanders
- 3: First Founding (Background Book) pg. 257
