After a near assassination attempt compromised his previous host of bodyguards, the Emperor Orestes Dardanos II hired a company of mercenaries from the Varangian Peninsula to serve as his personal guard. Known as the Varangian Guard, they have become known as Iskendra's most ruthless defenders and are used as shock troops and defenders of the Imperial royal family. They are comprised almost entirely of Varskogan humans, most of whom travel from the peninsula to serve on the promise of gold and glory. They are fiercely loyal to the Dardanos family and refuse orders from anyone but their thane.   Unlike the warriors of their homeland, the Varangian Guard wear steel splint and lamellar armor similar to the Legion of Kanesh. However, unlike the Legion, Varangians wear Varskogan half helms with bronze eye visors and veiled chainmail to protect their faces. Moreover, as they do not follow Iskendran military doctrine, they carry no spears, instead opting for lightweight round shields, bearded axes, and shortswords.