The Salamanders are born of the geneseed of Vulkan, their Primarch. Because of this every Salamander has coal-black skin like their Primarch. Hailing from the dark planet of Nocturne, many Salamanders have an interest in blacksmithing and fire, which is where their name and weapons come from. The Salamanders are the odd one of the Space Marine legions, they are known as the hero legion due to the fact that they put civilian lives over their own which is the opposite of most other legions, most of whom could give less than a thought about civilians. This "defect" means that they are willing to sacrifice their lives if it means saving civilians.

The Salamander's approach to combat is what one could expect from a legion that loves blacksmithing and is named after a lizard, its fire. lots and lots of fire. The Salamanders' weapon of choice are Melta Blasters which are basically flame bolt guns, capable of dismantling hordes of Tyranids in minutes the Salamanders are terrifying for their enemies yet beloved by their allies and friends. Sadly most were wiped out during the Horus Heresy and even Vulkan has disappeared. With very few Salamanders remaining they search the galaxy for the nine artifacts of Vulkan, when all are brought together it's believed that Vulkan will come back and lead the Salamanders once more.