Nocturne is the homeworld of the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter, a volcanic death world in the Ultima Segmentum where survival is a daily test of endurance. It’s where Vulkan was found, and it shaped both the Chapter and its people.
What Nocturne is
Nocturne is a death world and Adeptus Astartes homeworld, classified Aptus Non for tithes. It sits in the Ultima Segmentum, in the Nocturne System, and it’s the recruiting ground for the Salamanders.
Humanity settled it during the Dark Age of Technology. The planet’s harsh conditions bred a stoic, self-reliant culture built around the Promethean Cult, which teaches that trying to tame the world would only make its people weaker.
History and attacks
During the Great Crusade, the Primarch Vulkan landed on Nocturne and grew to adulthood there. He drove off the Dark Eldar raiders who’d been tormenting the planet, and when the Emperor arrived he found Vulkan ruling as king and protector.
Nocturne has been attacked several times since. The Death Guard invaded during the Horus Heresy in the Battle of Nocturne. In 761.M41, Daemon Engines of the Soulsmelter assaulted the planet and its Great Crucible, prompting the Chapter Master to open his master reliquaries. In 975.M41, the Dragon Warriors attacked both Nocturne and its moon Prometheus.
Geography and the Time of Trial
Nocturne is a binary planetary system. Its oversized moon, Prometheus, orbits erratically, causing massive tectonic stress. Volcanoes, earthquakes, and stellar radiation are constant facts of life, and most native life has a dark, obsidian-like appearance, including the people.
The volcanic activity also churns up rare gems and minerals that the Adeptus Mechanicus values highly. The Time of Trial is a recurring period of extreme volcanic activity that tests everyone on the planet.
- Mount Deathfire: a major volcano and a key site for the Salamanders.
- The Sanctuary Cities: Themis, Epimethus, Heliosa, Aethonian, Clymene, Hesiod, and Skarokk, built to survive the worst eruptions.
- Other features: Scorian Plane, Cindara Plateau, Pyre Desert, Acerbian Sea, Ignea, Arridian Plain, T’harken Delta, Themian Ash Ridges, Dragonspire Ridge, Serpent’s Fang, and Gey’sarr Ocean.
Why Nocturne matters
Nocturne isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the reason the Salamanders fight the way they do, with a focus on protecting civilians and enduring hardship. The Promethean Cult and the planet’s brutal environment are woven into the Chapter’s identity.
It’s also a strategic asset. The minerals and gems drawn from its crust keep the Adeptus Mechanicus interested, and the moon Prometheus hosts a key Salamanders facility. When Nocturne is threatened, it’s a direct strike at the Chapter’s heart.
Key facts
- Nocturne is the homeworld of the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter.
- It’s a death world in the Ultima Segmentum, classified Aptus Non.
- The Primarch Vulkan was found on Nocturne during the Great Crusade.
- Its moon Prometheus orbits erratically, causing constant tectonic stress.
- The Promethean Cult teaches self-reliance and resistance to a cruel environment.
- Nocturne has been attacked by the Death Guard, the Soulsmelter, and the Dragon Warriors.
FAQ
What is Nocturne in Warhammer 40k?
Nocturne is the homeworld of the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter, a volcanic death world in the Ultima Segmentum. It’s where the Primarch Vulkan was found and where the Chapter recruits new Marines.
Why is Nocturne important to the Salamanders?
It shaped their culture and fighting style through the Promethean Cult and the constant struggle to survive. It’s also their main recruiting world and a symbolic heart of the Chapter.
What is the Time of Trial on Nocturne?
The Time of Trial is a recurring period of intense volcanic activity on Nocturne. It’s a dangerous test for the planet’s inhabitants and part of what makes Nocturne a death world.