Varangian Guards Unit Guide

Unit Details

• Season 12: Helheim
• Acquisition: Seasonal Challenges
• Unlocked Via: Seasonal Unit Challenges
• Type: Melee Infantry - Special
• Era: Golden Era

The Viking Age was home to many legendary warriors, but none were as elite in status as the Varangian Guard. The Scandinavian company possessed great military skill, and due to this, amassed immense wealth. Recruited by the Byzantine Empire on the strength of their reputations, these particular Vikings lived to serve, and the riches didn't hurt. One of these illustrious figures was Harald Hardrada, who became King of Norway after serving as a Varangian to fund his bid for the crown.

Varangian Guards in Conqueror's Blade are the defenders of the royal family of the Kingdom of Empyros, and wield swords, shields, and axes to great effect. Handsomely compensated for their efforts, they deterred any threat as they fought their way through the North.

Varangian Guards are equipped with a fierce rage mechanic. They build up their fury, then unleash a terrifying attack upon any foe who dares to cross their path.

Core Unit Statistics

Unit Traits:

• Northlander Legend - For the duration of Season XII this unit's Leadership cost is reduced by 10 points.
• Attack and Defence - While wielding swords, the unit can build up rage by taking damage and defeating heroes. While wielding axes, the unit can spend rage by using skills.
• Fire Resistant - This unit's armour is less vulnerable to thermal weapons than other units of the same era.

Formations:

• Dispersed - The unit forms a spear-out square formation to lessen the impact of ranged attacks.
• Shield - Soldiers stand in a tight defensive formation, countering frontal attacks. Enhances impact resistance.

Unit Orders:

• Unbreakable - While soldiers are holding up their shields, movement and attack speed are reduced by 30%, and damage taken is reduced by 30%. After a successful block, damage taken is reduced by 60% for 1 second.
• Raging Onslaught - The soldiers pull out their two-handed axes, increasing all types of armour penetration and damage by 300 points, and gaining new rage skills.
• Great Sweap - The unit consumes 30% Rage to make a horizontal sweep with their axes, gaining control immunity for 2 seconds. Soldiers with less than 50% health will get a 50% damage boost and 20% of their maximum health will be restored. They will also knock down enemies.
• Colossal Strike - The unit consumes 30% Rage to initiate a full power attack, gaining control immunity for 2 seconds. Soldiers with less than 50% Health will get 50% damage boost and 20% of their maximum health will be restored. They will also knock down enemies.
• Shatter Shields - The unit consumes 40% Rage to charge the enemy and attack with long axes, gaining control immunity for 2 seconds. Soldiers with less than 50% Health will get a 50% damage boost and 20% of their maximum health will be restored. They will also knock down enemies. When all Rage has been consumed this skill will end, and the unit will return to wielding swords and shields.

Veterancy Paths:

Base Path:

• The Soldier's Life (2) - Each level increases health by 3%.

Top Path:

• Toughen Up (2) - Each level increases piercing defence by 3%.
• Reflexes (2) - Each level increases resistance to ranged weapons by 5%.
• Rearguard (1) - Reduces damage taken from rear attacks by 10%. 
• Unwavering (3) - Each level increases block recovery rate by 5%.
• The Soldier's Life (3) - Each level increases health by 3%.
• Close Quarters (3) - Each level reduces all damage taken when armour is pierced by 5%.
• Sheild of the Empire (1) - Reduces melee damage taken by 10%.

Middle Path:

• Razor-Sharp (2) - Each level increases slashing damage by 3%.
• Cold Blood (2) - Each level increases slashing armour penetration by 3%.
• Move as One (1) - Increases movement speed by 10%.
• Cold Blood (2) - Each level increases slashing armour penetration by 3%.
• Top Branch:
  • Rushing Thunder (3) - Each level increases Great Sweep's blocking break by 5%.
  • Bloodbath (3) - Each level increases Varangian Charge's damage by 5%.
  • Assault Training (3) - Each level increases Shatter Shield's blocking break by 5%.
  • Axe of the North (1) - Each level increase damage dealt to infantry by 15%.
• Bottom Branch: 
  • Hone (2) - Each level increases piercing damage by 3%.
  • Butcher's Bill (2) - Each level increases blunt damage by 3%.
  • Breakthrough (1) - Increases the number of enemies each soldier can attack with a single normal strike by 1.

Bottom Path:

• Toughen Up (2) - Each level increases slashing defence by 3%.
• Reflexes (2) - Each level increases resistance to ranged weapons by 5%.
• Unswerving (2) - Increases blunt defense by 3%.
• Shield Bash (1) - Shield bashing now inflicts knockback.

Unit Kit Crafting

Lore Books:

Varangian Guards I

[The text is quite long but you are able to quickly glean the most important points:]
The Varangians trace their lineage back to bands of mercenaries who contracted themselves to the Empyrean throne in bygone years. "Varangian" is an old Empyrean word relating to "one who swears an oath". These early Varangians fought using unusual (to the southern kings) tactics and weapons, and were thus placed in high esteem by Empyrean generals.

Related Information:

• Season 12: Helheim
• Huskarls (4.5 Stars)