World building within a framework
I was chatting to Rick Priestley and Mat Ward today about the Salamanders Chapter of Space Marines (for those not in the know, I'm going to be writing a Salamanders story for an upcoming 40K anthology). Through two separate, but both extremely illuminating, conversations I gleaned a lot of insight into these diabolic warriors. But it also got me to thinking about the importance of world building.
Digressing slightly, I'm a firm believer in the M.I.C.E method of qualifying types of stories. It's something I've touched on in earlier posts, but M.I.C.E essentially stands for: Milieu, Idea, Character, Event. You can find more details about the so-called 'Mice Quotient' in Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card (a book, incidentally that I recommend as being particularly interesting and thought provoking on these two subjects with regards writing).
Pertinent here is Milieu, which is basically world building, and the the staple of any fantasy or science fiction story of this ilk. A good example is The Lord of the Rings, in which Middle-Earth is described in exacting and exhaustive detail by J.R.R Tolkien. In cinematic terms, Star Wars partly falls into this category, too (albeit in its space opera/western format).
World building should be a long and comprehensive process, the many details of which might never come to fruition or see the page as part of the narrative. It is texture, it is culture, it is language and sense and feeling. All that good stuff that promotes an absorbing and immersive experience. While a blank canvass is the ideal place for a spot of biblical creation, you're not precluded from such god-like ambition when it comes to writing within existing worlds. I'm talking about the Warhammer 40,000 universe here and all the untapped, unexplored corners thereof.
The beauty of world building within a framework is that you're essentially adding layers of texture to what is already there. The idea is to enrich and complement, not overwrite and trammel. Take the Salamanders Chapter for instance. There's not a great deal known about them - not really. This is where the intelligent author can set to work, adding flesh, working with the first principles - enhancing, not undermining. As a result of said conversations with Rick and Mat, I've been set to thinking about world building within a framework. Not carving out my own little part of the galaxy (not yet, at least) - I'll leave that to better men than I - but rather taking something that exists, fleshing it out and making it my own.
For instance, I didn't know that the Salamanders have got jet-black skin (not just dark - it's actually black) with 'burning red eyes'. Talk about slightly daemonic - and these are the good guys! Their home world of Nocturne is constantly ravaged by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during a period known as The Time of Trial (a hellish environ if ever I heard one) and they have a resistance to heat and fire. In fact, fire and it's ritualistic connotations are somewhat at the heart of the Chapter, as is their self-reliance and the forging of their own weapons (their primarch, Vulkan, was a smith). I found these revelations fascinating and as a result I started envisaging what Nocturne might be like, the relationship of the seven settlements there from which the Space Marines draw their aspirants into their seven companies. Their fortress monastery is on the neighbouring moon of Prometheus and the Promethean cult is also central to the natives' belief system. Immediately my mind has become awash with vaguely satanic cities both above and below the earth, of gates of fire, slumbering fire drakes and the rituals of these diabolic warriors. World building - that's what I'm talking about. A little microcosm of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with the Salamanders at its heart. It's powerful stuff this world building. And it helps inform plot and characters, too - it's a reciprocal relationship, I think.
Taking pains to really think about the 'world' your characters inhabit, its culture, its language, the general milieu and mores of its peoples is a worthwhile process. Even if you don't use everything you come up with, and there are notebooks rammed with material that will never be read, it means what you do write will have much better dimension and texture, a richness that will, hopefully, come through organically as it's written by someone who just knows.
Digressing slightly, I'm a firm believer in the M.I.C.E method of qualifying types of stories. It's something I've touched on in earlier posts, but M.I.C.E essentially stands for: Milieu, Idea, Character, Event. You can find more details about the so-called 'Mice Quotient' in Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card (a book, incidentally that I recommend as being particularly interesting and thought provoking on these two subjects with regards writing).
Pertinent here is Milieu, which is basically world building, and the the staple of any fantasy or science fiction story of this ilk. A good example is The Lord of the Rings, in which Middle-Earth is described in exacting and exhaustive detail by J.R.R Tolkien. In cinematic terms, Star Wars partly falls into this category, too (albeit in its space opera/western format).
World building should be a long and comprehensive process, the many details of which might never come to fruition or see the page as part of the narrative. It is texture, it is culture, it is language and sense and feeling. All that good stuff that promotes an absorbing and immersive experience. While a blank canvass is the ideal place for a spot of biblical creation, you're not precluded from such god-like ambition when it comes to writing within existing worlds. I'm talking about the Warhammer 40,000 universe here and all the untapped, unexplored corners thereof.
The beauty of world building within a framework is that you're essentially adding layers of texture to what is already there. The idea is to enrich and complement, not overwrite and trammel. Take the Salamanders Chapter for instance. There's not a great deal known about them - not really. This is where the intelligent author can set to work, adding flesh, working with the first principles - enhancing, not undermining. As a result of said conversations with Rick and Mat, I've been set to thinking about world building within a framework. Not carving out my own little part of the galaxy (not yet, at least) - I'll leave that to better men than I - but rather taking something that exists, fleshing it out and making it my own.
For instance, I didn't know that the Salamanders have got jet-black skin (not just dark - it's actually black) with 'burning red eyes'. Talk about slightly daemonic - and these are the good guys! Their home world of Nocturne is constantly ravaged by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during a period known as The Time of Trial (a hellish environ if ever I heard one) and they have a resistance to heat and fire. In fact, fire and it's ritualistic connotations are somewhat at the heart of the Chapter, as is their self-reliance and the forging of their own weapons (their primarch, Vulkan, was a smith). I found these revelations fascinating and as a result I started envisaging what Nocturne might be like, the relationship of the seven settlements there from which the Space Marines draw their aspirants into their seven companies. Their fortress monastery is on the neighbouring moon of Prometheus and the Promethean cult is also central to the natives' belief system. Immediately my mind has become awash with vaguely satanic cities both above and below the earth, of gates of fire, slumbering fire drakes and the rituals of these diabolic warriors. World building - that's what I'm talking about. A little microcosm of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with the Salamanders at its heart. It's powerful stuff this world building. And it helps inform plot and characters, too - it's a reciprocal relationship, I think.
Taking pains to really think about the 'world' your characters inhabit, its culture, its language, the general milieu and mores of its peoples is a worthwhile process. Even if you don't use everything you come up with, and there are notebooks rammed with material that will never be read, it means what you do write will have much better dimension and texture, a richness that will, hopefully, come through organically as it's written by someone who just knows.
posted by Nick Kyme at
18:37
22 Comments:
I'm not in to warhammer. Just worldbuilding, and I think that your right. The more detail that is put into a world just comes out in the writing because the storyteller knows its there.
This is both invaluably insightful and pleasing!
I'm in the midst of (re)modelling my Salamanders army, and they've been the 'rock' (alongside the Dark Kin of the Eldar) of my 40k for a long time.
Regarding the jet-black-skin & red-eyes? Is that mutation, or simply the way they look on Nocturne itself (as SM skin colour varies with their environment, if I'm not mistaken)?
I'm quite looking forward to the upcoming Salamanders short, good luck!
As for world building within the given framework, it has to be one of the most respectable things I find when looking at a 'franchise' work. The forty-first millenium is a fairly varied time, and to see individual components given vivid life is always (when done well) an exceedingly pleasant part of 40k fiction, be it the Calixis Subsector, the Horus Heresy era or simply the 'humble' fief of the Salamanders.
Also, I wondered how much 'official' thought has been given to the fleetbound Salamanders? It's hardly a major issue, but I tried to draw the issue on one of the more active Epic/BFG forums here: http://www.tacticalwargames.net/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=67;t=6563;&#top .
In any case, I (for one) eargerly await the Salamanders story!
Hey Xisor,
Nice to see you on the site! :-) Glad you liked the post and found it interesting. As for your Salamanders query, the jet-black skin and red eyes is a permanent thing, as far as I'm aware. The melanin, combined with the Astartes' photo-reactive gene has effectivley mutated in the Salamanders, giving then this pseudo diabolic appearance, so they're the only Chapter whose skin doesn't change with the environment - it's always jet-black!
Very glad that you're looking forward to Heroes of the Space Marines, and the Salamander's short story. Though, I hasten to add, nothing has been confirmed yet...
Its fantastic that the Salamanders are finally getting soem respect.
I've been colletcting them ever since the Armageddon book was released (although I have since seen the -I believe it was - Rogue Trader colour scheme of black with yellow stripes.
One thing I truly hope comes out in the story is that how the Salamanders are nigh-unique in the Astartes: they care for the Imperial citizens they protect.
They come from a harsh world - our imigining of Hell, to be sure, where they can't have proper cities thanks to the earthquakes, lava, all that stuff - and are genetically-enhanced to be superior in every way. You can imagine how they might think themselves aloof from the humans, more so than other Chapters.
And yet they serve the Citizens of the Imperium - such as on Armageddon, no other chapter thought to defend the refugee columns, and so forth. This, I feel, is what makes the Salamanders so intriguing.
I await this story with bated breath.
Where the heck are you getting this twisted info Nick? Every piece of fluff on the Salamanders has indicated that they are Humanitrian (at least as much as a Genetically enhanced killing machine can be). Have you even read their Index Astartes article?
And the jet black skin, and burning red eyes... where the hell is that from, it's not in any canon source I've ever read, and heck I've read allot.
The only Chapter mentioned by canon that has a melanchrome mutation is the Raven Guard (with pale white skin, and hair and eyes that turn black over time).
And yes you have allot of us over at the Bolter and Chainsword worried, that this may end up turning into anothe Soul Drinker debacle.
Hey Talon,
Thanks for the comments, but please allow me to stave off the fires of rebellion before I've even started writing the book.
True, it is a little known fact that Salamanders have jet black skin and red eyes (burning red eyes, even) and that they have a slightly diabolic appearance. I think this makes for a very interesting contrast given the fact that they are staunch Humanitarians, something I plan to explore in the novel. Basically, they may look a little off-putting but they are heroes and saviours none-the-less - a fascinating dynamic to my mind. As for where did I get my information from - well, I didn't make it up, I can tell you that. This actually came from the very top from some chats I've had with Rick Priestley about the Chapter. Truth is, they were always meant to have black skin but just got misrepresented, and red eyes too. Their homeworld is a volcanic, hellish planet so it sort of fits.
Please believe me when I say, I won't be doing anything that I feel goes against the character or true background of the Salamanders. I, like you, am a passionate war gamer who believes wholeheartedly in portraying characters, races, Space Marine Chapters etc accurately.
As always, your comments are very much appreciated and, I hope, I have gone some way towards explaining my rationale and alleviating any concerns you might have.
Nick
Why then if the Salamanders were "meant" to have these features was it not explained in their Geneseed section of their Index Astartes article (which notes on their geneseed being quite normal and mutation free) or in Salamander artwork from the Armageddon 3 campaign, or in the description of Vulkan in the book Fulgrim (eyes of wisdom, but no mention of burning re eyes).
To me it seems like trying to make the Chapter more special than it really needs to be, why can a Chapter/Legion not just be normal with their own thematic influences that don't have to mess with their Geneseed.
The problem I guess I have is the continual demonic/satanic references that seem to indicate a view on a closest bad guy Chapter, or a Chapter with a big "oh my Gods" secret (which has been done with the Dark Angels already).
Also on the note of "Immediately my mind has become awash with vaguely satanic cities both above and below the earth, of gates of fire, slumbering fire drakes and the rituals of these diabolic warriors." - The people of the world were mentioned as Nomadic because of random teutonic activity, and shifting lava flows. Both of which would most likely destroy fixed location settlements.
Now don't get me wrong, I hope you write a good story, I just hope it doesn't go all Soul Drinkers (shoe horned into the 2nd already set Founding) / Relictors (mixed geneseed, name and colour change) by trying to make the Chapter / Legion more special than everyone else.
Hey Talon,
You are obviously very passionate about the Salamanders and trust me when I say I want to do justice to this Chapter. I certainly take all of your comments on board.
The fact is, I didn't realise that the Salamanders had black skin and red eyes - it's something that has only come to light very recently (after the IA article was published)- I appreciate the confusion, though.
Rest assured, I have no intention of 'doing a Soul Drinkers' and add bells and whistles just for the sake of it. Do the Salamanders have their own unique identity? Yes, of course they do - all Space Marine Chapters/Legions have. Will I explore that identity and expand on some of established background in the story? Quite probably. Does that mean I'll add in a load of extra nonsense to make them more 'special'? No: why would I? - they are 'special' (or I prefer, 'characterful') enough already. Those thoughts of mine your quoted we just that - thoughts, and initial ideas, gut impressions even.
I don't have the whole 'bad guy' persona in mind for the Salamanders at all (quite right that that's been done). Certainly, the Chapter's background doesn't suggest it. To a human being, Space Marines are pretty scary anyway. Salamanders, due to their appearance, are just scarier, which makes the whole altruism angle more intriguing. See? Nothing made up there, no bogus secrets or made up mutations, just working within the background and exploring its limits.
Truth be told, I'm at a very early stage with this project, just jotting down ideas and so on to build a strong picture. All I ask is that you keep an open mind.
Good to hear, I hope you do well with the story and have fun writing it :-)
Hey Talon,
Thanks for that, and all your comments and feedback - I really do appreciate them and listen to all your views.
Cool,
I have to admit I am a bit worried as well. I have always heard that the Salamanders are african-american in appearance due to the darker skin tone, but I have never heard about the red-eye trait they have. Im not knocking you at all Nick, but I cant help but be a bit uncertain about Ricks claim they have red-eyes, its never been documented or even shown in any salamander artwork.
Do keep me in the loop as I think the Salamanders are one of the only chapters that GW has ignored, and they are one of the originals!
IF you want any inspirational artwork, let me know, I had to sculpt customized Salamander Shoulder Pads since they have been forgotten by GW and would be happy to work with you on any graphical media you may need.
Keep them real!
Nick
Hey Nick. I´m glad to hear you decided to take up the Salamanders chapter. It´s my favorite and I´m very passionate about them and their background.
The whole devil-theme sounds awesome and could be made into a wonderful contrast as the Salamanders are considered to be one of the most "humanitarean" chapters actually caring about the people they protect. Kinda "nice" but devil looking theme could work well.
Anyway, I have taken the official background (from the white dwarf), "Brother Argos" I belive from the bolter and chainsword has rewritten it a bit and I too have redone it a little plus added comments to it in the lower half that are scientifical in nature.
You see I was inspired about your world building talk and maybe I could contribute some with interesting ideas. The (imo) biggest problem with 40k fiction is that sometimes it gets just too crazy and people just dont belive it so anchoring things a bit in beliveable "reality" could help and it just so happens that Nocturne (the salamanders home system) with the moon prometheus (their fortress base) has an unusually rich background and material.
And it just so happens that I study geology and geophysics and know about the science involved in those enviroments and thus I made comments on the background of the somewhat reedited Nocturnes system that you could either use or at least get some crazy inspiration from:)
Here goes:
Nocturne :
Classification : Death World
Population : 15,000,000
Tithe : Aptus Non
Much can be said about Nocturne revolving around its yellow sun in a long 15 terran year cycle, spinning rapidly on its axis, the yellow star which is its Sun rising and falling every 8 hours. Viewed from the planets surface the sun itself is filtered by the atmosphere to become a deep orange colour, similar in many ways to the colouration of the landscape you would be standing on.
With fifty percent more mass than its moon Prometheus, Nocturne suffers at the hand of its partner. Weaving an endless erratic dance with its partner, Nocturne is a victim of an over active tectonic system, the enormous gravitational stresses created by the proximity of these two heavenly bodies have a significant effect on Nocturne unlike its partner Prometheus which suffers little.
Nocturne suffers when prometheus completes its long elliptical orbit and comes between it and the sun causing both apohelion and perihelion to occur at the same time. With the gravitational pull of both the Sun and Prometheus working together causing massive tectonic plate activity occurs for two or so years and the lunar eclipse plunges much of the equatorial region into darkness. The volcanic activity deriving from this constant tectonic change is truley spectacular to see, ranges of active volcanoes stretch across the landscape belching forth lava, gases, and ash into the orange skies. The tremors of frequent earthquakes ripple across the planet surface, sending tidal waves crashing into the coastal areas, sweeping all before them.
Called the Time of Trial by its inhabitants, we see constant tidal waves sweeping the sea's, volcanic eruptions shake the earth constantly, Smoke and ash clouds are thrown high into the atmoshpere and combine with the lunar eclipse to create an eerie darkness across the globe for the next couple of years. As the moon pulls away the landscape settles, its violent nature quenched, but this is only the beginning of the Time of Trial, and over the course of time the coriolis effect increased due to the rapid spin of the planet pulls the ash and smoke into the lower latitudes where strong equatorial winds contain it.
During the darkness of the Time of Trial a cold winter envelopes the land, deprived of the sun due to the ash and smoke in the skies the temperature falls significantly, much of the livestock, and crops are lost and life itself becomes a struggle for all the people of Nocturne. The seven largest cities in the most stable and cool areas near the poles are protected by vast energy shields and are sited in areas caculated to suffer the minimum effects of the Time of Trial, but even so with little new food and polluted water sources life is still hard. It is a testament to the endurance and determination of the inhabitants of Nocturne that they have kept these seven cities standing in the fact of such adversity.
Given the dramatic change in temperature many new and wonderful life forms have come into existance, the most important and hardest to see is an abundant thermofile lifeform, fungoid in nature, that feeds on sulphur and carbon dioxide and as a waste product emits oxygen. Without this minute lifeform this planet would be un-inhabitable by man, but it does cause one potential problem, given the high 22% oxygen content in the atmospher Nocturne is highly susceptible to exterminatus attacks from space. Lastly due to the high content of other gases, fungus, and other airborne sediment, the air on Nocturne is not one that offworlders appreciate. The rich volcanic ash of this world leads to much plant growth in some areas, it suprises many offworlders to see plants coloured a rich deep red, growing under an orange tinted sun in dark soil.
With the introduction of specially modified terran lifeforms and a very hardy local flora and fauna life on Nocturne is well adapted to survive. Given the change in environment caused by the Time of Trials many animals pupate as they sense the time of trial approaching, and emerge in a form more suited to surviving the cold, other hardier varieties bury themselves hoping to not be buried under lava for the 4 years the trial lasts. Some move closer to the volcanic areas near the equator seeking the warmth and find competition for food there is fierce, waiting for them is the chief predator of Nocturne the Salamander. Heavily armoured and resistant to heat the salamanders are massive lizards, normally finding weaker pray near the volcanoes they inhabit, but with the coming of the Time of Trial they wreak carnage amongst those seeking the warmth they inhabit.
The largest Salamanders, known as firedrakes can be up to three times the size of a normal man, with massive jaws and a speed which is not evident from their size. Kings of the ecological chain, perfectly adapted to survival on Nocturne the Firedrakes and their smaller cousins were the bane of mankind in its early days on this world. It took many hunters to defeat a Firedrake in ancient times, but the rewards were great. The skins were prized as armour when cured and virtually unbreakable, the claws valued as one of the few things capable of piercing the skins were used as tools, and finally the intestines of these monsters contained one of the few sources of oil found on this world.
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Additions / Corrections
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-Much can be said about Nocturne revolving around its yellow sun in a long 15 terran year cycle, spinning rapidly on its axis, the yellow star which is its Sun rising and falling every 8 hours. Viewed from the planets surface the sun itself is filtered by the atmosphere to become a deep orange colour, similar in many ways to the colouration of the landscape you would be standing on.
: A very new starsystem (sun born from the gasses of numerous other suns tht have died before)
: Similar to the horizon you see on a terran evening
(due to "pollution", particles, ash, gases)
-With fifty percent more mass than its moon Prometheus, Nocturne suffers at the hand of its partner. Weaving an endless erratic dance with its partner, Nocturne is a victim of an over active tectonic system, the enormous gravitational stresses created by the proximity of these two heavenly bodies have a significant effect on Nocturne unlike its partner Prometheus which suffers little.
: nocturne, being highlly active and with it's plastic and partlly melted astenosphere, suffers. Prometheus which is a lot older and a "cold" body is almost not affected at all.
-Nocturne suffers when prometheus completes its long elliptical orbit and comes between it and the sun causing both apohelion and perihelion to occur at the same time. With the gravitational pull of both the Sun and Prometheus working together causing massive tectonic plate activity occurs for two or so years and the lunar eclipse plunges much of the equatorial region into darkness. The volcanic activity deriving from this constant tectonic change is truley spectacular to see, ranges of active volcanoes stretch across the landscape belching forth lava, gases, and ash into the orange skies. The tremors of frequent earthquakes ripple across the planet surface, sending tidal waves crashing into the coastal areas, sweeping all before them.
: moon and planetary orbits coincide, moon ends up between the planet when it's closest to the sun (perihelion and periluna / moon eclipse coincides...I mixed those up before, sorry. Thus also creating a moon eclipse)
Grav pull correct though.
Tidal waves are referred to as "tsunamis"!
-Called the Time of Trial by its inhabitants, we see constant tidal waves sweeping the sea's,
volcanic eruptions shake the earth constantly, Smoke and ash clouds are thrown high into the atmoshpere and combine with the lunar eclipse to create an eerie darkness across the globe for the next couple of years.
As the moon pulls away the landscape settles,
: Moon pulls away and sun starting to move to apohelion
its violent nature quenched, but this is only the beginning of the Time of Trial, and over the course of time the coriolis effect increased due to the rapid spin of the planet pulls the ash and smoke into the lower latitudes where strong equatorial winds contain it.
: Abnormally high coriolis effect due to high axial spin tends to make atmospheric ash and dust more difficult to mix and migrate alongs the latitudes
: nocturne should have extreme 15 y cyclic monsunal weather patterns IF you/(we?) want large continents...
-During the darkness of the Time of Trial a cold winter envelopes the land, deprived of the sun due to the ash and smoke in the skies the temperature falls
significantly, much of the livestock, and crops are lost and life itself becomes a struggle for all the people of Nocturne. The seven largest cities in the most stable and cool areas near the poles are protected by vast energy shields and are sited in areas caculated to suffer the minimum effects of the Time of Trial, but even so with little new food and polluted water sources life is still hard. It is a testament to the endurance and determination of the inhabitants of Nocturne that they have kept these seven cities standing in the fact of such adversity.
: Maybe add that a significant energy source is based on geothermics and hydro plants (extracts energy from tidal waves)
-Given the dramatic change in temperature many new and wonderful life forms have come into existance, the most important and hardest to see is an abundant thermofile lifeform, fungoid in nature, that feeds on sulphur and carbon dioxide and as a waste product emits oxygen. Without this minute lifeform this planet would be un-inhabitable by man, but it does cause one potential problem, given the high 22% oxygen content in the atmospher Nocturne is highly susceptible to exterminatus attacks from space.
: and thus must have extreme planetary defenses.
By the way increase the O2 to 23-23.5 % as I actuly think that would be more realistic and closer to self combustion *grins*
Lastly due to the high content of other gases, fungus, and other airborne sediment, the air on Nocturne is not one that offworlders appreciate. The rich volcanic ash of this world leads to much plant growth in some areas, it suprises many offworlders to see plants coloured a rich deep red, growing under an orange tinted sun in dark soil.
-With the introduction of specially modified terran lifeforms and a very hardy local flora and fauna life on Nocturne is well adapted to survive. Given the change in environment caused by the Time of Trials many animals pupate as they sense the time of trial approaching, and emerge in a form more suited to surviving the cold, other hardier varieties bury themselves
: Benthis, seafloor and deep bottom water dwelling organisms should be the most abundant (small thingies) as that enviroment is the most stable on the planet. Plus there could also be a lot of smoky chimneys on the bottom.
Gigantic, floating drilling rigs should also be abundant to extract ferromagnesian nodules at the ocean bottom, good mineral "ore" (and abundant on nocturne).
so floating, mining mini-cities could be a fun sight on nocturne as well. (no danger of tsunamis or tidal waves if lambda = wavelenht > 2X depth to bottom...which tends to be kinda deep )
-hoping to not be buried under lava for the 4 years the trial lasts.
: Gives the expression "Bummer" kinda a new meening huh? LOL
-Some move closer to the volcanic areas near the equator
: remember that there is an percentual difference in vulcanic activity...decreacing with latitude. That doesn't meen that there are no vulcanic activities there, just less common.
: Nocturne has in teh background extremely good connections with the Adeptus Mechanicus (thus suffer no lack of high tech toys/weapons/gadgets)
The very nature of teh system could also mean (logically) that it can be an important learning place for mechanicus adepts that yearn to learn about geological science and/or mining and improoving mining techniques in extreme enviroments.
Nocturnes biggest trade is in fact mined quality ore and gems for mechanicus so the presence of the tech priests ought to be considerable (as well as their friendly ties with the marine chapter itself).
-seeking the warmth and find competition for food there is fierce, waiting for them is the chief predator of Nocturne the Salamander. Heavily armoured and resistant to heat the salamanders are massive lizards, normally finding weaker pray near the volcanoes they inhabit, but with the coming of the Time of Trial they wreak carnage amongst those seeking the warmth they inhabit.
-The largest Salamanders, known as firedrakes can be up to three times the size of a normal man, with massive jaws and a speed which is not evident from their size. Kings of the ecological chain, perfectly adapted to survival on Nocturne the Firedrakes and their smaller cousins were the bane of mankind in its early days on this world. It took many hunters to defeat a Firedrake in ancient times, but the rewards were great. The skins were prized as armour when cured and virtually unbreakable, the claws valued as one of the few things capable of piercing the skins were used as tools, and finally the intestines of these monsters contained one of the few sources of oil found on this world.
: Hmm, only sourse of oil?
Are there big oceans? Are there tidal forces and shifting terraine...isostacy??? If so then we should have massive evaporitic sedimentation...combined with the big fungi flora and some million of years then there should be plenty of oilfields. Especially if sedimentation rates are high (Illmenites and kaolinites...clays that is) and they are.
Wow Pyriel, this is sterling work and truly inspiring stuff. I plan to have several scenes on both Prometheus and Nocturne in the novel, so all of this information will come in extremely useful. I'll be sure to utilise it to its greatest effect.
I must say it's both heartening and daunting at the same time to see so much passion and interest in this project. I think the Salamanders are a fascinating Chapter - the more I learn about them; the more they intrigue and excite me. I'll be sure to take all of this enthusiasm and all the comments I've recieved in the run up to this project into the planning and writing process.
Perhaps I could even name a minor character after your moniker - how does that sound?
I´m happy that you like it and might even find some use of all my ranting for some smaller scene with I dont know, a floating mining colony or an old marine advising his old people on how to best survive mining during a coming time of trials.
If you want to then feel free to email any question regarding to geology, physics and even astro mechanics and questions about the solar system itself to me should you wish to have some input on an idea or two. (tomas.fiertek@gmail.com)
There is lots I have left out and I together with all fans of the salamanders love our forgotten little chapter so I´d be more then happy to bring up my books on those subjects and provide you with idea/concept feedback.
As for a character named after my nick (Pyriel) well, that would be the ultimate honour for an old salamanders fan such as myself:P
As for names overall the chapter is based on old greek mythology (with one of the foremost role models for mentality being the Titan Prometheus from said mythology) mixed with people from an original afro-carribean stock so cool sounding names shouldnt be any problem for an author of your calliber.
Best of luck to you and your project. We salamanders players simply cant wait to read the finished piece.
Looking forward to this mate. I will be watching this space closely.
If you're looking for some info on the Salamanders, we've attempted to bring it all together here- http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.php?autocom=ineo&showarticle=128. Feel free to browse through the Librarium for more information on the Space Marines in general.
Hey Sig,
That is top drawer - many thanks for the support. I'll certainly use the link and absorb the information given. This will proof invaluable during the planning phase of the novel. Just need to get my second dwarf novel finished...
It's great to see the Sallies get the pages they deserve! Hurray!
I admit I am a bit suprised at some the descriptions and how the Sallies were never interpreted that way in the studio army - wow!
I wholeheartily agree about the world building concept - it adds a lot of depth and made the Hobbit and the LotR really come alive.
If you are looking for a source for world-building Prometheus, look no further than:
http://www.vulkansforge.org/nocturne.php
All the background info you'll ever need and even some fantastic illustrations included!
Have fun writing the book - I'm sure it will be great and I look forward to reading it.
Seven said...
I just want to say that I am really excited that the Salamanders are getting a novel.
But please do not change the things that draw people to these guys. I like what you are saying, but I am worried about some things stated by others also.
For example, I like the fact that they are people of people from an original Afro-Caribbean stock. That’s one of the more unique things about the Salamanders that many people like. Because there are almost no other groups mentioned in the lore of Warhammer 40k like that.
I also would love if Chapter Master Tu’shan was a central character in this novel. According to rumors about on the 5th edition; he is badass…and very powerful.
Any how… good luck… I will be waiting for this.
I don’t know if I should be happy or really upset. For at least 20 years I have been a loyal follower of this chapter, I have a 5000 point army. I collect every piece of fluff that I can and when I read that they were getting a story I became really excited. Then I read this blog, and I am very disturbed. The Salamanders that everyone loves, the African-themed, fire and burning loving, tribal-smiths; the scared warriors of Nocturne are now becoming a variation of another chapter is quite sad.
The Melanchromic Organ of the Raven Guard also has a unique mutation that causes the skin of the Space Marine to grow paler, rather then black. It stated that eventually each Marine's skin becomes pure white while their hair and eyes darken, becoming black as coal.
So basically, the Salamanders are the opposite of the Raven Guard now. I am sorry, but that is very disappointing. Please do not follow up on this idea, because it really takes away some of the things that make the chapter so interesting and different. I don’t know how many times I have placed my models before gamers and I got the most attention. Why, because the Salamanders were different (as in being African themed) as opposite to 99 % of the other chapters being white. (I am a white guy btw).
According to IA,
“Geneseed
As far as can be ascertained, the Salamanders' gene-seed appears to be stable and as yet uncorrupted. The reflexes of Salamanders Space Marines are not as fast as those of other Chapters, although still quick when suited in power armour. However, it is unknown whether this is due to a defect in the gene-seed, a result of their high gravity world, or comes about from the Chapter's doctrines against hastiness and impetuosity.
The Salamanders have never been great in number and were the smallest of the First Founding Legions. Perhaps it is for this reason that there seem to have been no Second Founding successor Chapters formed from the Salamanders, whilst the other Legions were broken down into several smaller fighting forces. Others point to the disaster at Istvaan V as reason for the lack of Second Founding Chapters (as many scholars believe the Salamanders to have been present at this infamous massacre). It is a matter of debate whether there have been Successor Chapters during subsequent Foundings, although it appears likely and many scholars point to similarities in the physique, markings and tactical dogma of Chapters such as the Storm Giants and Black Dragons. Recent questions regarding the purity of the Black Dragons' gene-seed has led to some Genetor-Biologis questioning the purity of their source zygotes, but the legacy and reputation of the Salamander has led to their detractors being openly ridiculed.”
The Salamanders are supposed to have a very pure Geneseed!!! This seems like a total recon, for no reason at all. It does not make them more interesting, but just another version of the Raven Guard, except there skin is coal black and they have red eyes.
“The Chapter's fortress-monastery is based upon the giant moon, Prometheus. It is the only settlement on Prometheus and is little more than a spaceport linked to an orbital dock where the Chapter's strike cruisers and battle barges can be refitted and restocked. When not at war, the Chapter's warriors spend most of their time on Prometheus or living amongst the inhabitants of Nocturne. The Salamanders maintain very close links with their home world, mingling with the people rather than living aloof as many other Chapters do. The Salamanders are the settlements' leaders, a source of inspiration and guidance for the Nocturne populace, and it is as much this position of authority and respect that young aspirants crave as the chance to become a legendary warrior of the Emperor.” ---IA
According to IA, the Salamanders live among their home world, side by side with the people (2-6 company). This is also one of the more interesting things about them. I would think that the people of Nocturne would not see them as other populations would see other Space Marines. So the whole devil idea, undercuts this one.
So how do you fix this, without destroying the things that make this chapter so great?
In my opinion, you should limit the whole Jet-black, devil looking, red eyes and mutating melanchromic organ idea only to the elite Fire-Drakes that live on Prometheus. That is why they live away from the rest of the chapter.
It would also be a lot more interesting if they induced this state as induction into the Fire-Drakes, similar to the order of Bene Gesserit" of Dune and their Spice agony ritual.
1. The greatest Salamander warriors are being inducted in to the Fire-Drakes and the Promethean Cult only after he slays a Firedrake. Then ingested a poisonous venom from that Firedrake mixed with Nocturne’s Promethium (some sort of cocktail) that cause a reaction in the firedrake the Melanchromic Organ.
2. .if they survive this torturous procedure. The result would be a marine with Jet-black skin, glowing red eyes as you stated, and devil looking. This will also add a mysterious aspect to the Firedrakes, without changing the lore of the rest of the chapter (Afro-theme, Scared, humanitarians that live among their people).
3. I would also like for the Black Dragons to be connected to Salamanders (the use of their pure gene-seed). But that goes away if we go with the pure jet-black, red eyes, mutated melanchromic organ.
I am really passionate about the Salamanders. What makes them unique as a chapter needs to stay in place. I know most Salamander fans; want them to be people based on Afro-Caribbean stock, that scared themselves as most gamers have thought for over 10-15 years. Because this REALLY makes them stand out. I know most Salamander fans like the fact that they were suppose to be the most “normal” if you can say that of all the chapters. Living among their own. We can have the best of both worlds. 2-6 companies would remind the Sallies we all know and love. But the Fire Drakes would be the jet black skin and burning red eyes with the slightly diabolic appearance that you are talking about.
Thanks for listening to my long rant. I really enjoyed oathbreaker. Awesome read. Not many writers listed to suggestions like this. You do not have to post this. It was meant for you only.
Check out these blogs.
http://forum.blpublishing.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7267&PN=4
Please read Lightbringers point on this blog. Thanks.
http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145910
Seraph
One more thing on the Firedrakes, and the the jet-black-skin & red-eyes.
Why would they do this? Well to make up for not being there at the siege of terra.
So this would a post-HH practice. Similar to the Custodes wearing black. The Salamanders take it to a whole other level.
Thanks again for listening. Nick good luck. This is huge for die hard fans like myself. I have been waiting for a LONG time.
Seraph
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished work, its been too long since the less well known first founding chapters got any recognition.
As for some of the information I'm wondering where its coming from, particularly about the Salamanders having Jet black skin and burning red eyes. Is there an official source for that or anything it was published in? I'd hate to think I missed something that important in my research.
Its curious though, Space Marine Chapters have been purged for smaller offences, though there are some that avoid sanction such as the Black Dragons. While an interresting aspect it does sort of remove some of the Salamanders character. As without that they were the only chapter ever really depicted with brown, let alone dark brown skin.
Which by the way the article Sig linked to earlier, the "Salamanders: A Comprehensive History" was compiled and written by myself, so if you have any questions about that material you can send me a message at squaliix@yahoo.com or on the B&C.
Seraph,
I appreciate the note, and my apologies for publishing the comment but I think you have some excellent points and that they deserve to eb heard (I sincerely hope that this is okay). I like the idea of having the Firedrakes as the jet-black skin, red eyes, diabolic looking Salamanders - this certainly has some legs, so to speak. It is very tricky when negotiating the tides of what is established background and then making that work when said background is retconned. However, I can give you this assurance. The Salamanders are a fascinating and inspiring Chapter. Of most interest to be is their tribal nature and affinity towards 'normal' humans. This is an apsect of their character that will be firmly laid down in the novel and actually informs quite a large chunk of the storyline that I have in mind (but that is still at the embryonic phase).
To tell the truth, I think all of you guys that have got in touch with me to express your views/support/concern are fantastic. Your passion for this noble Chapter is evident on the page, and comes through in your fervent testimonies. I would not ignore this - of course I wouldn't. I ask only this: trust me. I know what it is like to be passionate about a subject and how dear something like that can be to the heart. I will be doing everything in my power to present a novel that will thrill, entertain and further cement those impassioned beliefs. I intend to make this the Salamander's finest hour. I hope that helps.
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