NationStates Jolt Archive

Nation Name: The Varangian Empire

Dominant Culture: Scandinavians

Head of State: (Warlord) King Eirik Rurik Bloodaxe

Heir Apparent: Prince Håkon VI Magnusson

Government: Monarchy

Capital: None, There are no "cities", more territories and tradeing centers. The largest tradeing center is in Oslo, and is where the king is usualy found

Population: 900,000

Language: Proto-Norse Language (writeing system is in RUNES)

Army:
The Scandinavians do not have a "standing army", but are more a civilization of Raiders who do nothing but raid nearby land and bow to the greatest fighter (the King). Because of this, when they are not in raids they are especialy vulnerable to attacks, but once they are rallied, the sheer numbers and brute strenght is a force to be wreaconed with. They do not have a multitude of weapons, and haveing a sword is considered a sign of wealth.

350,000 Max (but usualy only in groups of 1,000-5,000 in one raid, so its sorta like a reseve)
-230,000 Axemen (Long-handled battle-axes)
-80,000 Axemen (double-handed broad axe)
-30,000 Spear throwers
-10,000 Swordsmen

Special Unit: Primitive Longboat (ledung): Among the fastest of the ainchent ships. a Longboat has been engineered to travel at amazeing speeds, but is dangerous in rough seas. One long boat can hold about 200 men (50 of the men Rowing)





OOC: technicaly, Varangians or Variags were Vikings that traveled East (vikings always traveled West)
and according to BBC: "Laws of the late Viking period show that all free men were expected to own weapons, and magnates were expected to provide them for their men" i wouldnt doubt this had been a tradition by the time it was written down

As Prince Rand entered Varangian territory(sweden) he began to think of what he would offer the Varangians and how much of an impact it would have on his people. He knew that one day he would be King and the Slavic lands would be his realm but he wished to enter that position with a steadfast and powerful ally. As his procession continued on awaiting thge Varangian capital he began to fiddle with his sword. A special sword marked with an eagle, the symbol of a blademaster. Yet the sword was more special than that, it was forged by the High Priest al'Lan Mondodraco in the forges of the Light. His clothes drew attention as soon as they entered a small village. None of them had seen clothes such as his before. A cloak which seamed to shift colors and make him dissapear and reappear with the next gust of wind, a black coat with the Golden Dragon of the House of Paendrag emblazoned on his breast, black riding breeches, and high kneed riding boots. He hoped he would reach the capital soon as he was growing tired of the long trek....

As Prince Rand walked through the city, the townspeople stared on as he fliped around his sword. They began to turn to eachother and say "is he a friend of Bloodaxe? Is he an outsider who is looking for a trade? whoever he is, he looks rich, and powerful, so we best not mess with him..."

They continued to stare on, arguing about what exactly this man was doing there, untill Rand found himself in front of Warlord Eirik Rurik Bloodaxe's residence. Bloodaxe recognized this man as a slav by his distict markings in his clothing and weaponry. Rurik got up and approached this outsider, sayin (in a slavic tounge)

"Who dare approach I, King of the Varangians!? I recognize you as a slav, i have seen many of your people in past raids. It is very bold of you to approach me, so tell me, what reason is behind your visit?

"I am Prince Rand Paendrag, son of King al'Artur Paendrag, of the Sarmatae Empire. I come in peace and offer you alliance between our nations to protect ourselves from the instabillity of this hostile world.

"ahh i see...Well you are a powerfull people, never did see a weak slav. This day Sarmatae Empire and the Varangians Empire are Allys!"

With that he grabed some rum and began singing in proto-norse

"Now begone from my palace, i have raids to conduct!"

"i thank you great King of the Norse. I will tell my people of your greatness and kindness unto me. But if i may be so bold as to inquire, could our nation depend upon you to support us in a war?"

OOC: sorry to go OOC but I am recording this alliance in the list of nations thread.

OOC: its ok but thats the only thing you can put in there anything else in this convo is not known

No-one IC knows you have a alliance only OOC. You have to announce it. I just keep it recorded.

"a war?!" Rurik shouted, "a war would be great fun!"
He got up in a joyful manner
"we would love to help you slavs out. As long as we get to pillage, rape, and raid; im positive my men would be up for it. A life of battle is the only life of a Variag! Just be sure to warn us of who the enemy is so we don't accidentaly injur some of yours." he chucled and paused to hear what the prince had to say about that

OOC: prince not king...

IC: "Our men have a standard uniform of leather armour covered by a black coat with golden dragon emblazoned on their chest. The same could be said of our famous Knights who wear iron armour similar to the roman legions covered by the same coat but with the mans personal symbol emblazoned on his breast also. We are a hard bunch to miss. Our plan is to take asia minor and greece. We are willing to offer trading posts within these territories to you once we have conquered them and perhapse a port or two. Would this be acceptable payment?"

"ah a standard uniform, that will make it easyer for my men to find you slavs. hmm...Trading posts in asia minor and greece...they would be hard to acces from the sea, but great for tradeing with people from far off lands. Prince Rand, you have yourself a deal. Just say the word and ill send what troops i can rally in a short amout of time to get there as fast as possible"

"I thank you greatly for your help and kindness. You will be alerted once my King has agreed to begin the campaign."