User blog:Cfp3157/Empires Clash for Legacy: Mongols vs. Varangian Guard

Today, two deadly and lethal shock troops of the Middle Ages collide in a battle of bows, blades, and cold hard steel! The Mongols, the horseback riding troops of Genghis Khan, who conquered the largest land mass ever established by any empire in history! The Varangian Guards, the Viking mercenaries under employement of the Byzantine Empire, who protected their emperor with a iron-willed determination! WHen the Mongol war machines march to the gates of Constantinople, these two will inevitably collide! Savagry will meet savagry, but once the war drumbs stop playing only one can be...

THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!!!

Mongol


The Mongol Empire spanned from Eastern Europe across Asia, and is commonly referred to as the largest contiguous empire in the history of the world. It emerged from the unification of Mongol and Turkic tribes in modern day Mongolia under the leadership of Genghis Khan, who was proclaimed ruler of all Mongols in 1206. Under the Mongols, new technologies, various commodities and ideologies were disseminated and exchanged across Eurasia. The Empire began to split following a succession war in 1260-1264, as there was dispute as to which of Genghis's grandchildren should become the next Great Khan. The Mongols dissipated into a variety of lands, some settling in India, some basically creating Russia, and others moving to China.

Varangian Guard
The Varangian Guards were personal bodyguards of Byzantine Emperors for the majority of the Dark Ages. Mostly hailing from Anglo-Saxon England and Scandinavia, these mercenaries served as both bodyguards and occasional shock troops used by the Byzantines. Originally formed in 988 by Emperor Basil II, these troops were chosen to be his personal bodyguards because of their nearly unwavering loyalty to him. It wasn't until after William the Conqueror's invasion of Anglo-Saxon England that the Varangians began recruiting from the men from those regions as well. The Varangians were very prominent in the defense of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, and were key in the Battle of Beroia for Byzantine victory. The last historical mention of these axe-wielding mercenaries was in 1400 in Constantinople. The primary role of the Varangians was as bodyguards, performing ceremonial duties and police work in affairs of treason and conspiracy.

X-Factors
Mongol/X-Factor/Varangian

85 Training 80

Both warriors have received specialized training for combat, horseback archery and bodyguarding. However, I'd like to point out the fact that the Mongol's conquests brought in a variety of new ways of life, combat, and skills. This, coupled with the Mongol's traing in archery from childhood, gave them intensive variety of training. The Varangians were taught to raid and how to bodyguard, but often trained laxly and to keep skills sharp. They kept an autonomy to their actions, and as defensive warriors didn't need to train as hardly or strictly.

90 Combat Experience 75

The Mongol's extensive conquests kept a warrior who lived through it with a variety of experiences. Whether it be Turkish invaders, Chinese rebels, Persian warriors, or early Russian-Kievan soldiers, the Mongols were always busy in combat. The Varangian's more homeland security-like role may have given them experience during times when Cosntantinople was under siege, but have only seen a few battles.

70 Physicality 85

The Mongolians' diet consisted of fish and other protein-based food. While this does mean that the Mongol received great strength, their stamina was lacking. The Varangians could receive any food they wished, being in the capital of the Middle East during their peak of service. Foods from Asia, Europe, and Africa were all brought to them, giving the mercenaries a varied and healthy diet.

75 Discipline 80

This is close, especially considering the military histories of these warriors. The Mongols' were an iron-willed war machine under the command of Genghis Khan, but after his death most immigrated to other territories. This shows that while they admired Genghis Khan's tactical ability, it shows that they weren't as loyal to his descendants as they were to him. The Varangian's may have been mercenaries, but their primary role was as bodyguards and had to keep a constant vigilance over their emperor.