Varagyr Wolf Guard
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This article is about the Heresy-Era Honour Guard of Leman Russ; for the Post-Heresy era Veteran unit, see Wolf Guard. |
The Varagyr, occasionally recorded as Varangii in Imperial documents and literally meaning "Wolf Guard," were the elite warriors chosen by Leman Russ during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. Handpicked from his own Great Company, they served as his personal Honour Guard, or Huscarls in old Fenrisian, as well as close companions in both war and council.[1g]
History
Upon his rediscovery on the planet Fenris[1a], Leman Russ was appointed to lead the VIth Legion. Accompanying him were several hundred Fenrisian warriors who had, despite their age, successfully undergone the implantation and gene-processing required to become a Legiones Astartes. These men became Leman Russ' first Varagyr, sworn to him with unyielding loyalty, willing to defy death to remain by his side. Their commitment led them to leave their harsh world and venture into the stars with their lord.[1b]
Leman Russ valued these Varagyr for their unwavering loyalty over the might of the transhuman Astartes of the Legion he commanded. Unlike the Legionnaires, these warriors had already proven their worth and earned his respect.[1b]
Integration into the IVth Legion
Russ integrated the Varagyr into his Legion, which initially caused some resentment. However, it was quickly established that Russ' authority was absolute, and the Varagyr were prepared to resolve any disputes through single combat.[1b]
After the Wheel of Fire Campaign, the old Terra-born VIth Legion and the newly inducted Fenrisian warriors were united by the trials of war. For the survivors of both groups, Fenris became home, as they adopted elements of Fenrisian culture and martial traditions embodied by their Primarch.[1b]
The Fenrisian wisdom of the Varagyr was embraced by those in the Legion who sought to become closer to their Primarch, while the Fenris-born adapted to new weapons and warfare techniques suited to the vast battlefields they now faced.[1c]
The "Onn" Company
Leman Russ' 1st Great Company, or "Onn" Company in Fenrisian dialect, included his elite Varagyr. To earn this rank, each warrior had to distinguish himself in battle repeatedly, forging sagas worth telling. They were the true wolves of Russ' pack, marked by the great beast pelts adorning their armour.[1d]
The Varagyr in Battle
In battle, the Varagyr charged like a thunderbolt, a tide of armoured, beast-skin-draped hulks driven by superhuman strength and ferocity. Their momentum was said to crush enemies even before their fearsome blades could strike.[1g]
Ranks
The Leader of a Varagyr Squad is called a Thegn.[1g]
Heraldry
The Varagyrs' armour was adorned with ornate decorations, including ritual knotwork on the pauldrons and gorget. These patterns held significant ritual meaning for the Fenrisian warrior cult. The intricate designs on their pauldrons symbolized the legend each Varagyr had built over years of combat but also served a practical purpose by highlighting tactical specialities for easy identification during battle.[1h]
Varagyrs also wore Fenrisian Wolf pelts and carried several fangs from the same beast. These trophies, which were often worn by squad leaders and veterans instead of traditional marks of rank, served as badges of honour within the Legion.[1h]
Wargear
The Varagyrs were exclusively clad in Cataphractii Terminator Armour.[1g] For weaponry, they wielded Combi-Bolters and Frost Axes.[2]
Images
Varagyr Wolf Guard miniatures[2]
See also
Sources
- 1: The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno:
- 2: Warhammer Webstore : Space Wolves – Varagyr Wolf Guard Terminators (saved archive) - for details see Varagyr Wolf Guard/Sources