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{{Otheruses
|USE=Heresy-Era Honour Guard of Leman Russ
|OTHERUSE=Post-Heresy era Veteran unit
|OTHERPAGE=Wolf Guard
}}
{{SpaceWolvesPortal}}
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 ''HuscalrsHuscarls''in old [[Fenrisian]], and as well as close companions in both war and council.{{Fn|1g}}[[File:VaragyrOrtheln.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Varagyr]] [[Thegn]] [[Ortheln]] of the [[Blood-Worm]]{{Fn|1h}}]]
==History==
Upon his rediscovery on the Death World of planet [[Fenris]]{{Fn|1a}}, Leman Russ was appointed to lead the [[Space Wolves|VIth Legion]]. Accompanying him were several hundred Fenrisian warriors who had, despite their age, successfully undergone the [[Creation of a Space Marine|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.{{Fn|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.{{Fn|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]].{{Fn|1b}}
The [[Fenrisian]] wisdom of the '''Varagyr''' was embraced by those in the Legion who sought to be close become closer to their Primarch, while the Fenris-born adapted to new weapons and warfare techniques suited to the vast battlefields they now faced.{{Fn|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 armor.{{Fn|1d}}
===Ranks===
The Leader of a '''Varagyr''' Squad is called a [[Thegn]].{{Fn|1g}}
===Heraldry===
The '''Varagyr''' armor was adorned with ornate decorations, including ritual knotwork on the pauldrons and gorget. These patterns held significant ritual meaning for the Fenrisian warrior cult that permeates the VIth Legion. 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.{{Fn|1h}}
'''Varagyrs''' might also ahve worn [[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 honor within the Legion.{{Fn|1h}}
===Wargear===
