Originally a Baltic town, Holmgarð or Novgorod came under Varangian control when the semi-legendary Varangian Rurik was invited to be their leader. Holmgarð used to be the most important city of the Rus until Rurik’s successor Oleg captured Kiev and founded the state of Kievan Rus. While still technically a part of Kievan Rus, Novgorod has been growing more and more independent from the power of the Kievan throne as disputes over the right to rule Kiev threaten to engulf the Rus. Some distance away from most of the other factions, Garðariki will have more time to build up their strength while the other factions fight with their puny armies.
Strengths
A mix of Slavic and Scandinavian warriors, producing a good range of infantry and skirmishing troops
Weaknesses
Starting with a small area, Garðariki will have to fight hard to expand
Starting regions
Hòlmgarðr in Novogorod region
Starting units
Peshatsi Draugai
Members of the king's druzhina, armed with javelins and axes
Borьcьje
Unarmoured Slavic Warriors armed with spears and large round shields
Varjagi
The Varjagi, or væringjar, were a band of mercenaries formed in Garðariki. They were people from all the northern, savage countries joined for a common cause - to kill and plunder.
They would rent out their swords to any king or emperor willing to pay for their expensive services. The cost were often steep but when the Varjagi threw in their lot witho one side in a particular war, and themselves into the fray of battle, the opposing side would soon tremble.
Expertly using two handed axes to break a shield wall, and swords and shields to form their own, The Varjagi often turned the tide in a loosing battle to emerge victoriously at the end of the day.
Their high price kept them well armored to ensure they would be alive to collect at the end of each battle, since they would always be where the fighting was hardest.
Vitjazi
The survivors and veterans of past battles were a valued asset for any leader and on every battlefield. With experience comes more efficient fighting and more advanced techniques, and the experienced warriors would be well versed in the art of taking others life while preserving one's own. They would help keep the younger recruits alive and teach them to use their weapons to become more deadly on the battlefield.
The Vitjazi were the heroes of old and were the survivors of countless battles, wearing more scars than they could count and were ever relentless in the face of overwhelming odds or an enemy charge.
The Vitjazi bothered little of appearance and social conventions and would often stick to their trusted and battle-weary armor, worn at all times and through countless battles.
Their weapon of choice would always be the sword. A weapon forged for offense as well as defense, respected and feared alike. A true token of high status and prowess of it's wielder. The Vitjazi's swords would always be of the very highest quality and were kept sharp, ready for battle and within reach at all times.
Both the armor and the sword would be named like inseparable companions, given as much trust in battle as the Vitjazi brother standing on either side.
The Vitjazi, as well as their sword and armor, would receive the highest blessings of the true gods during the blots before and after every battle fought.
Faction Preview: Garðariki
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