The Varrangoi (or Vangarian Guard) are superb two-handed axemen, protected by heavy armour. The most famous of all Byzantine units, made up wholly of Scandinavians and Englishmen, The Varrangoi were initially a military levy sent to the Byzantine emperor from the 'Rus' which are now a permanent unit often used as royal bodyguards. These superbly skilled warriors wield two-handed axes with vicious abandon, hacking down the Emperor's enemies.