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"All my life, something was missing. But in exile, I found it. True dedication, a bond unbreakable: the promise of a Varangian Guard."

"Justice is on the march. Can you hear it?"


The Varangian Guard are a playable hero class in For Honor.

Overview[]

"The oath bought and sold is worth no coin at all."

The Varangian Guards' journey is encapsulated by this mantra, reflecting their steadfast dedication, emphasizing that their loyalty cannot be compromised by monetary gains.

Originating from distant lands beyond Heathmoor, the Varangian Guards, a group of mercenary Vikings, have flourished. United by an unwavering commitment, these warriors are renowned for their absolute loyalty. Once they pledge an oath, there is no wavering; they remain steadfastly true to both their client and themselves.

As they ventured into uncharted territories, these formidable fighters transcended their Viking roots, embracing the role of mercenaries. Despite this transformation, their Viking essence persists, evolving into something more - elite bodyguards possessing unparalleled combat skills.

Armor[]

Unlike the Vikings who they fight alongside with, the hardy Varangian Guard distinctly are heavily armored from head to toe. They wear a decorated conical helm with a single plume on top, with an aventail attached to cover their face and neck. Their chainmail hauberk covers their entire torso, arms and thighs, with a cape over their back, the Varangian's signature chest harness over their torso and thick leather vambraces on their arms. The Varangian Guard wears thick boots over their breches to allow themselves to march through the cold and snow.

Weapon[]

Varangian weapon

Longaxe and Kite Shield - The Varangian Guard wield the iconic axe that many Vikings use, but pairs it together with the kite shield, signifying their dedication not to just combat but to protection too.

Known Varangian Guards[]

  • Katla
  • TBA

Trivia[]

  • The Varangian Guards are based on the Byzantine elite units of the same name. The Varangian Guards were personal bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperor, primarily composed of recruits from Scandinavia but also other parts of northern Europe such as England. Recruiting distant foreigners was pursued as a deliberate policy, as these men would have little to no stake in local politics, thus can be relied upon to suppress revolts by disloyal Byzantine factions.
    • "Varangian" refers to Viking conquerors, traders and settlers who eventually settled in Eastern European territories such as Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. One group of the Varangians, known as the Rus' or Russes, would end up being the earliest members of the initial Varangian Guard as early as the 870s.
    • The Varangian Guard was first formally constituted under Emperor Basil II in 988. Having recently usurped power in Kiev with an army of Varangian warriors, Vladimir I of Kiev sent 6,000 men to Basil as part of a military assistance agreement. Basil himself held a distrust for the native Byzantine guardsmen, as their loyalties often swayed drastically due to local politics; observing the proven loyalty of the Varangians, many of whom had previously served in Byzantium, the Emperor decided employ them as his personal guardsmen. This would put forth the aforementioned policy and tradition among the Varangian Guard that personal bodyguards would be foreign recruits.
    • Due to the similarity between the lore of the Varangian and the unconfirmed leak lore for Gryphon, it may be possible that Gryphon was initially meant to be an offshoot of the Varangian Guard, only to be delayed to being their own hero years later for unknown reasons.
  • Just like the Heroes since the start of Year 4, the Varangian Guard is a genderlocked Hero, her ornaments placed on her shoulder instead of the head, but features Alternate armor variation.
    • For the most part, Alternate armor variations are an "infantry grade" visual counterpart to their normal variant, featuring less flare in comparison such as the lack of head ornaments, cape and vambraces. Unlike the Alternate versions of the last few Heroes, the Alternate armor for the Varangian Guard does not take on more of a player's set colours scheme than the normal variant.
    • Varangian Guard is also currently the only Hero of the Viking faction who features metal as their material customization choice (iron, bronze, copper, etc.) compared to the cloth/leather customization choice given to the Samurai and Vikings.
  • Much like the Black Prior, the Varangian Guard wields a Kite Shield. However, while the design of the Black Prior's shield is flat on top much like a Heater Shield, the Varangian Guard's shield is rounded, making it more teardrop or leaf-like in shape. The teardrop shape is the most common depiction of the shield in historical material. and is iconic of Norman warfare.
    • The grips used to hold the shield is also situated differently. Black Prior (along with Conqueror and Valkyrie) utilize vertical grips and enarmes (leather straps) that cause their shield to be held upright if their forearm is parallel to the ground. The Varangian Guards' shields have horizontal grips instead where the shield is strapped along their forearm, with the bottom of the shield at their elbow and the top of it at their hand.

Translation[]

  • The Varangian Guard speaks in both Icelandic and Greek, showing both their heritage and their mercenary trade. Contrary to Gryphon who speaks different lines in their respective language, Varangian Guard instead intersperses Greek terminology within her otherwise Icelandic speeches.
    • Their ability to speak Greek is reflective of the dominant language that was spoken in the Byzantine Empire.

Quotes[]

Due to Varangian Guard speaking in mixed language, when Icelandic is spoken, Greek parts will be italicized, both in the original and in translation.

Combat[]

  • Icelandic: Of seinnt! - English: "Too late!"
    • Sellsword's Valor (Side Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: Ég sver það! - English: "I swear it!"
    • Sellsword's Valor (Side Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: Heift varðarins! - English: "Fury of the guard!"
    • Sellsword's Valor (Side Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: Hvílíkur... - English: "What a..."
    • Sellsword's Valor (Side Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: Dauðinn nær þér! - English: "Death nears for you!"
    • Sellsword's Valor (Side Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Einbeittu þér!" - English: "Concentrate, you!"
    • Sellsword's Bounty (Forward Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Ekkert persónulegt!" - English: "Nothing personal!"
    • Sellsword's Bounty (Forward Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Snúðu þér að mér!" - English: "Face me!"
    • Sellsword's Bounty (Forward Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Verð að vinna!" - English: "Must win!"
    • Sellsword's Bounty (Forward Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Stattu í lappirnar!" - English: "Stand on your legs!"
    • Sellsword's Bounty (Forward Dodge Light)
  • Icelandic: "Burt!" - English: "Away!"
    • Headbutt Follow-up
  • Icelandic: "Réttlæti!" - English: "Justice!"
    • Headbutt Follow-up
  • Icelandic: "Burtu!" - English: "Get away!"
    • Headbutt Follow-up
  • Icelandic: "Svikari!" - English: "Traitor!"
    • Headbutt Follow-up
  • Icelandic: "Afram!" - English: "Forward!"
    • Sellsword's Smite (Neutral Bash)
  • Icelandic: "Éttu skjöld!" - English: "Eat shield!"
    • Sellsword's Smite (Neutral Bash)
  • Icelandic: "Dettu!" - English: "Fall!"
    • Sellsword's Smite (Neutral Bash)
  • Icelandic: "Passaðu höfuðið!" - English: "Watch your head!"
    • Sellsword's Smite (Neutral Bash)
  • Icelandic: "Hörfaðu!" - English: "Retreat!"
    • Sellsword's Smite (Neutral Bash)
  • Icelandic: "Haltu á þessu!" - English: "Hold this!"
    • Aesir Oathkeeper (Stance Heavy)
  • Icelandic: "Viðkvæmni!" - English: "Retreat!"
    • Hjaldr Oathkeeper (Stance Light)
  • Icelandic: "Láttu undan!" - English: "Renounce!" or "Give up!"
    • Oathkeeper Smite (Stance Bash)

Pending...

Feats & Others[]

  • Reclaim the Land Feat
    • Icelandic: Fyrir Valkenheim! - English: "For Valkenheim!"
    • Icelandic: Afhjúpið þá trúlausu! - English: "Expose the faithless!"
    • Icelandic: Horfið á okkur! - English: "Behold us!"
  • When Revived:
    • Icelandic: πελάτης (pelátis) minn er þakklátur. - English: "My patron is grateful."
    • Icelandic:Ég er χάρη (χάρη) þér. - English: "I am indebted to you."
    • Icelandic: μισθός (misthós) mitt er þitt. - English: "My wage is yours."
    • Icelandic: Gera þarf συμβόλαιο (symvólaio). - English: "We must finish our contract."
    • Icelandic: Takk fyrir. - English: "Thank you."
  • When Respawning:
    • Greek: Έμπρός (Embros). - English: "Onward."
    • Icelandic: Fyrir φρουρά (frourá). - English: "For the guard."
    • Icelandic: καθήκον (kathíkon) kallar. - English: "Duty calls."
    • Icelandic: Ég skal standa með όρκος (órkos) minn. - English: "I shall stand by my oath."
    • Icelandic: αδελφοί (adelfoí) mínar þarfnast mín. - English: "My brethren need me."

Fighting Style[]

The Varangian Guards epitomize protectors with unrivaled defensive prowess, making them invaluable assets in any conflict. Armed with axes and shields, they employ their distinctive defensive stance, Oathkeeper, to disable adversaries. Their combat finesse, finely honed over time, strikes a harmonious balance between refined skill and unbridled Viking ferocity.

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Protective Disabler
  • Numerous moves that blocks incoming attacks or binds opponents into a pin

Special Capabilities[]

  • All Lights, including Dodge Lights and Stance Lights, have Superior Block properties and are Enhanced
  • Unblockable and Pinning Heavy Finishers that leads into a unique mix-up
  • Oathkeeper, a Temporal All-Block Stance that Binds opponents who hit the Stance and let the Varangian Guard choose who to target
  • Support Based Feats that seek to help allies, especially as the Varangian Guard puts their body on the line

Perks[]

Available Perks for the Varangian Guard can be viewed on the Perks page.

Feats[]

  • T1: Take Shelter: heal nearby allies (not the Varangian) for 10 every time you superior block an attack.
    • Body Count
    • Speed Revive
  • T2: Misthia Ward: Gain a strong defensive buff (50% damage reduction) for five seconds every time you superior block an attack.
    • Thick Skin
    • Thrilling Comeback
  • T3: Aesir Aura: Give a 15% attack buff to you and nearby allies for five seconds every time you land an Aesir Bind.
    • Punch Through
    • Protected Revive
  • T4: Reclaim the Land: Call a hail of spears to a location, dealing 40 damage, while planting a Doom Banner on that location.
    • Regenerate
    • Stalwart Banner

Moveset[]

General[]

  • Renown: Heavy - Earn more Renown by assisting or saving Heroes, and holding objectives to unlock your feats in a match. (non-Dominion/Breach gamemodes only)
  • Revenge Mode - Boosts Damage and Health. All Attacks are Uninterruptible. Parry and Throws knock enemies down. Attacks are Auto-Parried on activation.
  • Dodge: No Guard - When performing a Dodge, your Hero's Guard disappears until the end of the Dodge.

Hero Specific[]

  • Special Light Attacks - All Light Attacks, including Sellsword's Bounty, Sellsword's Valor and Hjaldr Oathkeeper, are Enhanced and have the Superior Block property during their Startup, causing the attack to become a Crushing Counter (unblockable and increased damage) if successful at blocking an attack. Time well to counter attack or, in the case of the Light Finishers or Hjaldr Oathkeeper, fend against ganking foes.
    • Extended Superior Block - Varangian Guard's Superior Block windows are slightly larger than most instances of Superior Block on other Heroes, granting her an easier time in counterattacking opponents.
  • Aesir Guardbreak - Chain Heavy Finishers can be soft feinted into a Guardbreak with the MMB (PC), X (XB1) or 🔲 (PS4) input during their start-up.
  • Aesir Bind - Heavy Finishers, including Aesir Oathkeeper, is Unblockable and will Pin the Opponent with Aesir Bind.
    • Low Recovery Pin - Unlike most Pins that essentially increase the recovery time for both the Hero and their target, Aesir Bind's Pin Recovery is relatively short for both Varangian Guard and the opponent.
    • Bind Follow-up - During Aesir Bind, perform either a Headbutt Follow-up with the MMB (PC), X (XB1) or 🔲 (PS4) input, a Sellsword's Evasion with the Dodge input or Oathkeeper with the C (PC) or RS↓ (XB, PS4) inputs.
  • Chain Openers - Sellsword's Bounty, Sellsword's Valor, Allegiant Charge, Allegiant Spiral, Hjaldr Oathkeeper and Oathkeeper Spiral count as Chain Openers, leading into a Light or Heavy Finisher.
    • Bash Openers - Sellsword's Smite and Headbutt Follow-up can chain into a Light Opener or Heavy Opener, with the Light being guaranteed. Cannot chain on-miss.
  • Oathkeeper - Press C (PC) or RS↓ (XB, PS4) to gain a Full Block Stance briefly. Successfully blocking allows Varangian Guard to counterattack with some special moves.
    • Oathkeeper Hold - Heroes who attack the Oathkeeper All-Block will be placed under a Bind effect as the Varangian Guard extends the duration of the All-Block. This extended All-Block also triggers the Bind effect. The Bind effect lasts until the current All-Block ends or when Varangian Guard performs an Oathkeeper Riposte on a different target or Sellsword's Evasion.
    • Flow into Oathkeeper - Oathkeeper can be accessed during the recovery of any non-Bash or non-Oathkeeper Riposte attack, during Aesir Bind, or during the start-up of a chain Heavy attack.
    • Oathkeeper Ripostes - All Oathkeeper Ripostes are guaranteed, with the Bind effect extending it on the target to assure the attack lands.
    • Multi-Directional Ripostes - Hjaldr Oathkeeper and Aesir Oathkeeper can be performed in any desired Guard Direction instead of being performed from a fixed Guard Direction.
    • Oathkeeper Reprisal - Unlike most riposte moves, Oathkeeper Ripostes will not automatically target the last opponent who was blocked. Instead, Varangian Guard will always perform her Ripostes against the opponent she is currently locked onto.
  • Sellsword's Evasion - During Aesir Bind or Oathkeeper Hold, Varangian Guard can cancel into a Dodge or Dodge Attack.

Moves[]

(From Guard Mode)

Icon Legend

Type Name PC XB1 PS4
Chain Attack icon Hjaldr Chop LMB, LMB RB, RB R1, R1
Chain Attack icon Aesir Ruin LMB, RMB RB, RT R1, R2
Chain Attack icon Hjaldr Hack RMB, LMB RT, RB R2, R1
Chain Attack icon Aesir Fury RMB, RMB RT, RT R2, R2
Allegiant Spiral LMB + RMB RB + RT R1 + R2
Allegiant Charge (Not in Guard Mode) ↑ + RMB LS (press to sprint) + RT L3 (press to sprint) + R2
Unblockable iconPush Back icon Sellsword's Smite W + Space, MMB LS↑ + A, X LS↑ + X, ⬜
Superior Block icon Sellsword's Bounty W + Space, LMB LS↑ + A, RB LS↑ + X, R1
Superior Block icon Sellsword's Valor A or D + Space, LMB LS← or LS→ + A, RB LS← or LS→ + X, R1
Full Block Stance icon Oathkeeper C RS ↓ RS ↓
Superior Block icon Hjaldr Oathkeeper C, Block icon, ← or ↑ or → + LMB RS↓, Block icon, RS← or RS↑ or RS→ + RB RS↓, Block icon, RS← or RS↑ or RS→ + R1
Unblockable icon Aesir Oathkeeper C, Block icon, ← or ↑ or → + RMB RS↓, Block icon, RS← or RS↑ or RS→ + RT RS↓, Block icon, RS← or RS↑ or RS→ + R2
Push Back iconUnblockable icon Oathkeeper Smite C, Block icon, MMB RS↓, Block icon, X RS↓, Block icon, ⬜
Oathkeeper Spiral C, Block icon, LMB + RMB RS↓, Block icon, RB + RT RS↓, Block icon, R1 + R2

Varangian Guard/Gear

Executions[]

Absolute_Will

Absolute Will

Axe_and_Hammer

Axe and Hammer

Back_Crack

Back Crack

Head_Block

Head Block

Emotes[]

Passive Stance[]

Battle_Plan

Battle Plan

Stretching_Out

Stretching Out

Better_Luck_Next_Time

Better Luck Next Time

Double_Slam

Double Slam

Not_Fair!

Not Fair!

Fighting Stance[]

Shield_Drum

Shield Drum

You're_Finished

You're Finished

Axe_Trick

Axe Trick

Hit_Me

Hit Me

Big_Flex

Big Flex

Defiant_Challenge

Defiant Challenge

Executions[]

Requiescat_In_Pace

Requiescat In Pace

Rampage_Of_Ragnarok

Rampage Of Ragnarok

Cheaty_Flute

Cheaty Flute

Blow_Your_Own_Horn

Blow Your Own Horn

Harpy_Hey_Joe

Harpy Hey Joe

Lute_Not

Lute Not

Sylvan_Vaporization

Sylvan Vaporization

Horkos_Pharmakos

Horkos Pharmakos

Sylvan_Metamorphasis

Sylvan Metamorphasis

Revenant_Slayer

Revenant Slayer

Ulfhednar_Killer

Ulfhednar Killer

Shiryo_Avenger

Shiryo Avenger

Jiangshi_Banisher

Jiangshi Banisher

Minified_And_Put_Aside

Minified And Put Aside

Minified_And_Magnified

Minified And Magnified

Minified_And_Stomped

Minified And Stomped

Minified_And_Kicked_Away

Minified And Kicked Away

Wolf_Among_Sheep

Wolf Among Sheep

Ilma's_Scythe

Ilma's Scythe

Cane_You_Feel_It

Cane You Feel It

Brought_You_A_Gift

Brought You A Gift

Chimera_Salvation

Chimera Salvation

Blades_of_the_Vanguards

Blades of the Vanguards

Resounding_Defeat

Resounding Defeat

Deadly_Hare

Deadly Hare

Sylvan_Detachment

Sylvan Detachment

To_The_Great_Beyond

To The Great Beyond

Feast_Upon_The_Weak

Feast Upon The Weak

The_Masquerade_Is_Over

The Masquerade Is Over

Unquenchable_Wolf

Unquenchable Wolf


Farewell,_Chimera_Music_Box

Farewell, Chimera Music Box

Farewell,_Chimera_Zither

Farewell, Chimera Zither

Farewell,_Horkos_Bagpipe

Farewell, Horkos Bagpipe


Farewell,_Horkos_Violin

Farewell, Horkos Violin

Wrathful_Concision

Wrathful Concision

Willful_Concision

Willful Concision

Sorrowful_Concision

Sorrowful Concision

Artful_Concision

Artful Concision

Aegir's_Reach

Aegir's Reach

Anchors_Down

Anchors Down

Chill_Out

Chill Out

Death_Metal_Triangle

Death Metal Triangle

Fish_In_A_Barrel

Fish In A Barrel

Get_Whale_Soon

Get Whale Soon

Off_The_Hook

Off The Hook

The_Huntress'_Prey

The Huntress' Prey

Ran's_Bestowment

Ran's Bestowment

What_Goes_Around

What Goes Around

Just_Add_Oil

Just Add Oil

A_Plague_Unto_You

A Plague Unto You

Blow_Dart_Barrage

Blow Dart Barrage

Jorogumo's_Hunter

Jorogumo's Hunter

The_Spider's_Thrall

The Spider's Thrall

Gruesome_Punishment

Gruesome Punishment

Emotes[]

Passive Stance[]

The_Bard's_Instrument

The Bard's Instrument

Sword_In_The_Stone

Sword In The Stone

Ready_To_Rumble

Ready To Rumble

Volcanic_Destruction_Blast

Volcanic Destruction Blast

Jack_O_Lantern

Jack O Lantern

Leap_Of_Faith

Leap Of Faith

Penguin_Walk

Penguin Walk

Vortiger's_Ascent

Vortiger's Ascent

Shadows_of_the_Hitokiri

Shadows of the Hitokiri

Zhanhu's_Fire

Zhanhu's Fire

Dubious_Assessment

Dubious Assessment

One_Of_Your_Shrugs

One Of Your Shrugs

Howl_At_The_Moon

Howl At The Moon

Confused_Warrior

Confused Warrior

Skeptically_Swaying

Skeptically Swaying

Horkos_Grimoire

Horkos Grimoire

Sylvan_Book

Sylvan Book

Sylvan_Meditation

Sylvan Meditation

In_ChaRAHcter

In ChaRAHcter

Muscular_Archer

Muscular Archer

Muscular_Biceps

Muscular Biceps

Message_Board

Message Board

Sylvan_Panacea

Sylvan Panacea

Selfish_Drinker

Selfish Drinker

Chimera_Bagpipe

Chimera Bagpipe

Chimera_Music_Box

Chimera Music Box

Chimera_Violin

Chimera Violin

Chimera_Zither

Chimera Zither

Horkos_Bagpipe

Horkos Bagpipe

Horkos_Music_Box

Horkos Music Box

Horkos_Violin

Horkos Violin

Horkos_Zither

Horkos Zither

Odaiko

Odaiko

Raising_Glasses

Raising Glasses

Suspended_Gong

Suspended Gong

The_Bodhran

The Bodhran

The_Field_Drum

The Field Drum

Suspicious_Tumbleweed

Suspicious Tumbleweed

Elegant_Dance

Elegant Dance

The_Bard's_Triangle

The Bard's Triangle

Gryphon's_Fireside

Gryphon's Fireside

Boxing_Drill

Boxing Drill

Mad_Alchemist

Mad Alchemist

Stars_of_Destiny

Stars of Destiny

Boxing_Drill

Boxing Drill

Think_About_It

Think About It

My_Juggle_Act

My Juggle Act

Most_Wanted

Most Wanted

Think_About_It

Think About It

My_Juggle_Act

My Juggle Act

Most_Wanted

Most Wanted

A_Light_In_The_Dark

A Light In The Dark

Sun's_Out_Chair's_Out

Sun's Out Chair's Out

Dev_Handshake

Dev Handshake

Handle_With_Care

Handle With Care

Popcorn_Kick

Popcorn Kick

Follow_My_Lead

Follow My Lead

Snake_Crossing

Snake Crossing

Rocking_Horse

Rocking Horse

Rhythms_of_Shibu

Rhythms of Shibu

Fighting Stance[]

Snowball_Fight!

Snowball Fight!

Media[]

Images[]

Stills

Videos[]

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