The Jomsviking is a powerful infantry unit available to the Danes at the Castle.
Established in the 10th century by King Harald Bluetooth, the Jomsvikings were a legendary mercenary brotherhood bound by a strict, ruthless code, and were “looked on as the greatest of warriors”. These hardened men spent their summers mercilessly raiding foreign lands and earned renown as the finest fighters of their age. Their exceptional bravery in the face of danger, but also fair code of brotherhood made them famous in sagas and legendary narratives.
In-game, the Jomsvikings mirror this peerless reputation. Armed with a spear and large shield, they form a durable front line with exceptional capabilities against enemy cavalry, making them ideal to pair with siege engines. Reflecting their raiding capabilities, Jomsvikings throw torches to quickly incinerate enemy buildings or ships. This synergy with the civilization bonus of looting from razed buildings is a formidable tool in the Danes’ arsenal.
Jarl
Jarl
A feud between Jarls and Berserks
The Jarl is an elite axe-hurling cavalry unit available at the Castle for the Varangians.
In Old Norse society, the Jarl was a regional warlord of immense power, ranking directly beneath the king. As high-status administrators and cultic leaders, they possessed the independence to muster their own warbands and the wealth to equip them. Often mounted on great horses and clad in elaborate armor, these noblemen were not just commanders, but elite warriors who rode into battle with the finest weaponry the era could produce.
In the game, the Jarl functions as a heavily armored cavalry unit that excels at defeating enemy infantry. Armed with throwing-axes, they can swiftly ride into battle, hurl their axes at range, and disengage if needed. While they wear durable armor and deal high damage at range, they work best when protected by other units. Many of the Varangians’ units are vulnerable to infantry, which makes the Jarl a formidable complementary choice.
Hearth Troop
Hearth Troops
Hearth Troops engage a Viking force
The Hearth Troop is a heavy and slow moving infantry that hurls javelins before engaging in melee combat, available at the Castle for the Saxons.
Derived from the Old English heorþwerod, these full-time professional soldiers served as the iron core of pre-Norman English armies, especially during the Heptarchy period. Immortalized in epic poems like The Battle of Maldon, they were bound by blood and gold to their ring-giving leader. Their kings lavished them with the finest gear available, ensuring every Hearth Troop was clad in high-end battle-gear that reflected the immense wealth and generosity of their lord.
In-game, the Hearth Troops demonstrate the weight of this elite status, as they boast exceptional armor that makes them incredibly durable. Though weighed down by their armor, Hearth Troops mitigate this lack of speed by hurling a long range javelin before engaging in melee combat. This lethal opening volley can be used to soften up approaching enemies, and is especially potent against enemy ranged soldiers.
Varangian Guard
Varangian Guards
Varangian Guards parry an enemy attack
The Varangian Guard, first available in the Castle Age, is trained at the Barracks for the Vikings, Byzantines and all civilizations in The Viking Sagas.
Originally founded by Emperor Basil II, these fearless bodyguards were primarily Scandinavians who journeyed to Byzantium in search of power and treasure. Their name stems from the Old Norse væringi, rooted in the word for “oath”, signifying their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor. Equipped with a variety of weapons, especially deadly Dane axes, they also carried shields for protection in close formation. Their ranks famously included Harald Hardrada, the future King of Norway, whose exploits exemplified the lethal effectiveness of this legendary corps. Later in its existence, the Varangian Guard also drew formidable recruits from Anglo-Saxon England.
In-game, Varangian Guards are swift-moving shock infantry capable of dealing massive damage with their heavy axes. Reflecting their history of accruing vast riches, they are able to generate gold during combat, but are vulnerable to the Militia-line.
Longship
Longships
Longships on a river raid
The Longship, first available in the Castle Age, is constructed at the Dock for the Vikings and all civilizations in The Viking Sagas.
Known as the dreki or “dragon-ship,” this vessel was the technological marvel that allowed the Norsemen to dominate the seas during the Viking Age. Masterfully “clinker-built” with overlapping oak and pine planks, they possessed a uniquely shallow draft that allowed them to cross open oceans and navigate up shallow rivers with equal ease.
Though one of the original unique units, the Longship now brings its naval capabilities to multiple civilizations. Staying true to its history as a nimble but powerful raiding vessel, this ship fires multiple arrows at unsuspecting victims.
Mounted Crossbowman
Mounted Crossbowmen
Mounted Crossbowmen engage enemy infantry
The Mounted Crossbowman, first available in the Castle Age, is trained at the Archery Range for the Vikings and all civilizations in The Viking Sagas, as well as most other European civilizations.
At the turn of the first millennium CE, the crossbow began to supplant the traditional bow in European royal armories, offering a deadly combination of cheap cost, ease of use, and power. Unlike the physical strain required for a war bow, the crossbow allowed a warrior to hold a cocked shot indefinitely and fire from protected positions or from horseback. While this mechanical advantage allowed for superior aim, it came with the significant drawback of a much slower fire rate compared to a skilled horse archer. Despite this, the accessibility of this weapon and its lethality in combat made it a wildly popular investment for medieval European armies.
In-game, Mounted Crossbowmen fire heavy-hitting bolts that are effective against a variety of units. While their equipment slows them down compared to Cavalry Archers, Mounted Crossbowmen are still mobile enough to be effective in combat. In the Imperial Age, the “Cranequins” technology allows them to fire more powerful crossbows, adding to their range and anti-infantry damage.
Heroes (Campaign-exclusive Units)
Harald Hardrada
Harald and his sworn brothers, Halldor and Ulf, battle against Fatimids
Few embody the warrior’s heart like our trio of legendary heroes: men sworn to adventure, word-fame, and the bonds of brotherhood.
The sagas describe Harald Hardrada as stronger and taller than most men, a cunning and fiercely ambitious warrior who pursues his goals with relentless fury. Though raised a Christian, he rules with a worldly conviction hardened through many battles. He rises from a wide-eyed youth at the age of fifteen into a vengeful warrior-king, embarking on perilous conquests and cutting down any dissent before it has a chance to take root. It is this uncompromising nature that earns him the name Hardrada: the “Hard Ruler.” He understands the Viking world he is to inherit, a land divided between Christians and pagans, and the iron will required to rule over them.
In-game, Harald is a powerful, axe-throwing ranged hero. His fearsome charges are spoken of in the sagas and are represented through his Battle Horn ability, which grants nearby units a temporary increase to attack and armor.
Halldor Snorrason
Halldor Snorrason takes on a group of Saxons
Harald’s first sworn brother, Halldor Snorrason, hails from Iceland. Halldor is brash, hardheaded, and fiercely proud of his pagan roots. He favors the dreaded two-handed Dane Axe, cleaving through foes while invoking the old gods. In battle, Halldor’s Berserkergang ability grants temporarily increased strength, trample damage, and invulnerability — ensuring he can be relied upon to shatter enemy formations.
Ulf Ospaksson
Ulf Ospaksson duels a Viking warlord
Harald’s second companion, Ulf Ospaksson, is steadfast and devoutly Christian. Ulf is driven not by wealth but by his loyalty to those who have proven their worth. He commands respect through sheer resolve and discipline, with an unbreakable Aura that unites those around him — increasing the conversion resistance and gold generation of all nearby Varangian Guards.
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