"Imagine cold winters, princes in sable-rimmed cloaks, opulent halls where sinister old men practice vile magics or seduce their masters' wives. Think of Rasputin. Think of orthodox patriarchs and bizarre sect- like movements of religious fanatics living in hiding. Imagine the monsters, heroes and bogatyrs of Russian fairy tales….
Vanarus is the predecessor of Bogarus. It is a nation of ruling Vanir that have subjugated and intermingled themselves with the previous rulers of the land. Kievan Rus' is one of the sources here, but I've also used the Chuds, a people that appears in the myths of various peoples from the eastern Baltic seaboard. I haven't found very much on the Chuds, so they are mostly my creation. The "Pine of Skulls," shape-shifting and shamanic bear cult practices fit the nation. These features, as well as the Thunder Priests mentioned in the descriptions of the nation appear in Rus, the early version of the nation. I wanted the national troops of the nation to reflect the change from the earlier era to the late Bogarus. Versatile Vanarusian sages are slowly replacing the mighty Vanir and will eventually develop into the Starets and mages of the late era." - Illwinter
Rus is a land of harsh winters and short summers. When the Vanir arrived the land was inhabited by humans and Chudes, an exalted race of great strength and beauty. The Chudes and the humans had intermingled and neither race dominated the other. The Vanir came as explorers and traders, but conflict over a sacred site led to war. The Vanir were victorious and founded the city of Novgård at the ancient site. The Chudes and the humans of Rus joined causes and tried to drive the Vanir out, but the humans were weak and easily tricked by the illusions and magic of the Vanir. Soon the Chudes found themselves at war with Vanir as well as their former human allies. Then arrived the Black Knights of Ulm. The former conflict between Vanir and Chudes ended as the three peoples of Rus rallied under Novgård to defend their land. When the Ulmic threat was averted, a kingdom had formed under the rulership of the Vanir. Humans comprise most of the Vanarusian population. A large portion are Chudes and a precious few are Vanir. Most of the Vanarusian armies are human infantry. The elites of the kingdom are mighty Chudes and Vanir. The peoples of Vanarus prefer a cold climate.
If you are considering picking this nation to play, what should you know?
Magic Access | Alt. Access | Unit Summary | Core Abilities | Buildings |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 (rare 4) 2 2 2 (rare 3) 2 2 (rare 3) 2 (rare 3) 1 2 | Heroes: 3132 (one, turn 20+) 4131 (one, turn 5+) 2121 (one) Summons: Many summons, getting up to 3, 2, 2, 4 | Human Medium Infantry Chud Hirdmen Chud Skinshifters Sacred Chud Werebears Sacred Van Infantry | Cold Resistance (5) Snow Move Berserker Shapechanger/Wounded Form | Standard Forts |
Capitol Gems: 11111
Cold limit: + 1
Prefers Cold Scale + 2
Blood Sacrifice: May blood sacrifice to increase dominion. This ability is not transferred to disciple nations. Disciple nations with this ability can still use it. These nations do not have dying dominion.
If a fella is called a Vanarusian, they're most likely a human. Humans are Size 3 (three-to-a-square) beings, but Rusian humans have put up with snowy weather for generations; they ignore Snow, and have 5 Cold Resistance. Otherwise, they're somewhat-average.
The Chuds are superhumans who live among the Vanarusians. Though a head taller than humans, they are still Size 3. An average Chud has 17 HP, 2 Natural Protection, 13's in Strength and Morale, and 12's in Attack Skill, Defence Skill, and Magic Resistance. They also have 14 Combat Speed and 16 Map Movement naked, like a typical Size-4 being. Lastly, they share the environmental traits of regular Vanarusians, and a surprising amount of them are Berserkers.
: Cold Resistance (5), Snow Move
Sprite | Unit Name | Special Attributes | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Scout 35 5 1 | Stealthy (60) Mountain Survival Forest Survival | Commentary Here. | |
Vanarusian Herse 55 22 1 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Jarl 125 13 1 | Sacred | Commentary Here. | |
Vanarusian Gode 65 3 1 | 1 Sacred | Commentary Here. | |
Chud Jarl 170 13 1 | 1 Sacred | Commentary Here. | |
Vanarusian Sage 190 2 2 | 12100% 100%15 | Commentary Here. | |
Vanabog 520 21 4 Capital Only | 211121100% 10%17 Sacred Stealthy (65) Skilled Rider (4) Glamour Snow Move | Commentary Here. | |
Fay Horse | Sacred Poison Resistance (10) Disease Resistance (100%) Stealthy (65) Smart Mount (100) Animal Glamour True Sight | Commentary here. | |
Vyedma 190 2 2 Non-fort Forests Only | 1111100%11 Stealthy (40) Supply Bonus (10) Forest Survival Female | Commentary Here. | |
Vyedun 215 2 2 Non-fort Forests Only | 11111100%13 Stealthy (40) Supply Bonus (10) Forest Survival | Commentary Here. |
Sprite | Unit Name | Special Attributes | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Vanarusian Archer 10 5 9 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Huskarl 10 12 9 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Huskarl 10 12 9 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Hirdman 12 17 14 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Hirdman 12 17 14 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Hirdman 12 19 14 | Commentary Here. | ||
Vanarusian Berserker 15 17 21 | Ambidextrous (1) Berserker (2) | Commentary Here. | |
Chud Hirdman 35 21 28 | Ambidextrous (2) Berserker (2) | Commentary Here. | |
Chud Skinshifter 40 5 33 Capital Only | Berserker (1) Mountain Survival Forest Survival Recuperation Wounded Shape (Werebear) | Commentary Here. | |
Werebear | Same as before Natural Shape (Chud Skinshifter) | Commentary here. | |
Oath-Bound 35 22 25 Capital Only | Sacred Stealthy (65) Bodyguard (3) Glamour | Commentary Here. |
Sprite | Unit Name | Special Attributes | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Old Bear Thunder - Last Perkunu Earliest Arrival Turn (5) | 413113 Sacred Cold Resistance (5) Poison Resistance (5) Shock Resistance (22) Supply Bonus (30) Old Age (550/500) Mountain Survival Forest Survival Snow Move Recuperation Shapechanger (Werebear) Summons in Battle (Great Bear) | Commentary Here. | |
Werebear | 413121 Sacred Cold Resistance (5) Poison Resistance (5) Shock Resistance (7) Berserker (1) Supply Bonus (30) Mountain Survival Forest Survival Snow Move Recuperation Shapechanger (Last Perkunu) | Commentary Here. | |
Yngvar - Varyag Earliest Arrival Turn (15) | 212115 Sacred Cold Resistance (5) Stealthy (40) Inspirational (+1) Glamour Snow Move | Commentary Here. | |
Baba Yaga - Hag Earliest Arrival Turn (20) | 313223 Cold Resistance (15) Poison Resistance (15) Shock Resistance (5) Fear (8) Supply Bonus (20) Flying Forest Survival Female | Commentary here. |
Summon Spell | Unit | Special Attributes | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Summon Simargl (Conjuration 2) 1 and 1 | Simargl | Patrol Bonus (+10) Animal Flying | Commentary here. |
Summon Firebird (Conjuration 3) 11 and 2 | Firebird | Fire Resistance (15) Bringer of Fortune (2) Animal Magic Being Flying Mountain Survival Forest Survival | Commentary here. |
Contact Sirin (Conjuration 3) 2 and 8 | Sirin | Sacred Stealthy (+50) Dream Seduction (Morale vs. 14) Flying Female | Commentary here. |
Sloth of Bears (Conjuration 3) 2 and 6 | Great Bear x 15+ | Undisciplined Animal Mountain Survival Forest Survival | Summons high strength blobs of hitpoints. Can work as evocation bait, as the bears have more HP than your troops and even lower MR, but otherwise unremarkable. |
Send Vodyanoy (Conjuration 4) 2 and 20 in Sea Remote Stealthy Summons | Vodyanoy | 3113 Cold Resistance (5) Stealthy (+40) Supply Bonus (+10) Aquatic | Commentary here. |
Summon Rusalka (Conjuration 4) 11 and 16 | Rusalka | 119 Cold Resistance (15) Poison Resistance (25) Stealthy (+60) Gift of Water Breathing (50) Seduction (Morale vs. 9) Undead Amphibious Female | Commentary here. |
Summon Likho (Conjuration 4) 1 and 10 | Likho | Stealthy (+60) Bringer of Misfortune (10) Causes Unrest (+5 per Month) Lost an eye. Forest Survival Female | The opposite of a Firebird. Has a long-range curse attack. A critical mass of them can devastate a province like a remote attack ritual. They're reusable if not discovered. If discovered, can't survive on their own. Don't let them linger in your own territories. |
Contact Alkonost (Conjuration 4) 2 and 15 | Alkonost | 3 Sacred Shock Resistance (15) Awe (+5) Inspirational (2) Flying Female | Commentary here. |
Awaken Draugar (Conjuration 4) 2 and 12 | Draug x 4 | Resist Cold (25) Resist Poison (25) Cold Aura (3) Fear (+5) Undead Amphibious Need Not Eat Spirit Sight Shapechanger Below HP (20) (Draug) | Commentary here. |
Send Lady Midday (Conjuration 5) 31 and 5 | Lady Midday Remote Assassination | Stealthy (+60) Fear (+5) Assassin (2) Magic Being Ethereal Flying Storm Immunity Spirit Sight Female | Commentary here. |
Summon Zmey (Conjuration 5) 2 and 5 | Zmey | Fire Resistance (15) Animal Flying Cold Blooded Mountain Survival Drake | What if Fire Drake but bigger, stronger, tougher, one gem cheaper, two more bites, can fly and obey commands. |
Send Bukavac (Conjuration 5) 4 and 5 in Sea | Bukavac | Fear (+5) Animal Magic Being Trample Aquatic | Commentary here. |
Contact Gamayun (Conjuration 5) 3 and 25 | Gamayun | 22219 Sacred Awe (+3) Fortune Teller (15%) Flying Female | Commentary here. |
Contact Beregina (Conjuration 6) 31 and 35 | Beregina | 31217 Cold Resistance (5) Water Breathing (50) Awe (+3) Supply Bonus (+20) Magic Being Amphibious Spirit Sight Female | Commentary here. |
Contact Mountain Vila (Conjuration 7) 4 and 40 in Mountain in (Internal) Darkness | Mountain Vila | 21317 Sacred Cold Resistance (5) Poison Resistance (5) Shock Resistance (15) Stealthy (+50) Healer (2) Supply Bonus (+30) Seduction (Morale vs. 9) Skilled Rider (3) Mountain Survival Forest Survival Female | Commentary here. |
Sacred Stag | Sacred Stealthy (+40) Undisciplined Animal Forest Survival | Commentary here. | |
Contact Cloud Vila (Conjuration 7) 4 and 40 in Mountain in (Internal) Darkness | Cloud Vila | 31217 Sacred Cold Resistance (5) Shock Resistance (20) Stealthy (+50) Healer (1) Supply Bonus (+20) Seduction (Morale vs. 9) Flying Storm Immunity Mountain Survival Female | Commentary here. |
Contact Leshiy (Conjuration 8) 6 and 60 in Forest | Leshiy not in Forest | 11213 Cold Resistance (5) Poison Resistance (5) Pathboost (-1 ALL) Supply Bonus (+30) Magic Being Forest Survival Snow Move Spirit Sight Forest Shape (Leshiy) | Commentary here. |
Leshiy in Forest | 212423 Add: Regeneration (10%) Change: Pathboost (+1) Shape Changer (Great Forest Bear) | Commentary here. | |
Great Forest Bear in Forest | No Magic Remove: Poison Resistance Add: Stealthy (+40) Berserker (+4) Trample Shape Changer (Leshiy) | Commentary here. |
See Magic Access. These guides supplement the summaries at the top.
Blood allows for summoning powerful mages with a variety of paths, but no Water. 5 for Bind Heliophagus and 8 for Bind Demon Lord.
Max without boosting or uniques: 3 2 Vyedun is the strongest Fire mage available but a 1 Vanabog can make a Skull of Fire.
Max without boosting or uniques: 3 3 Vanabog (1 in 5) is the strongest Air mage. Can't get any higher without empowerment.
Three of the summons have Air and Astral and so can attempt the unique Tome of High Power.
Max without boosting or uniques: 5 2 Vyedma (1 in 4) is the strongest Water mage available.
2 can Send Vodyanoy for 3. 31 can Contact Beregina for 3.
Max without boosting or uniques: 3 1 Vyedma and Vyedun are the most reliable Earth mages available. A 11 Vanarusian Sage (1 in 12) with a Glamour booster can Summon Bluecap.
6 can Contact Leshiy for 2, (when in a Forest) and can attempt the unique The Tome of Gaia.
No National Access 4 for Contact Cloud Vila for 1.
4 can Contact Mountain Vila for 1.
31 can cast Hidden in Sand for a 1 in 3 chance of 2. It can also cast Hidden Underneath for a 3 in 4 chance of at least 1.
Max without boosting or uniques: 3 2 Vanabog (1 in 5) is the strongest Blood mage available. With a Blood booster, it can attempt the unique The Black Book of Secrets.
33 can attempt the unique The Silver Arms, which allows holding multiple of the two-handed Death boosters. 13 can make The Copper Arms, useful if you get the unique Sceptre of Dark Regency.
3 can Summon Spectre for a 7 in 16 chance of at least 1.
Max without boosting or uniques: 6 2 Vyedma and Vyedun (both 1 in 4) are the strongest Nature mages available. With an Earth booster, they can attempt the unique The Tome of Gaia. 13, from a 12 Vyedma with a Water
13 can make The Copper Arms, 33 can attempt the unique The Silver Arms, useful for holding multiple Nature boosters.
Max without boosting or uniques: 2 2 Vanabog (1 in 5) is the strongest Glamour mage available. It doesn't have useful crosspaths.
Max without boosting or uniques: 2 2 Vanabog (1 in 5) is the strongest Blood mage available. Either the unique The Black Book of Secrets or empowerment is needed to climb higher.
How to win as the nation. Feel free to use the following sections, or delete them, or change them.
Different expansion options.
Early game options.
Mid game options.
Late game options.
Chassis: Awake Titan of Crossroads
Paths: 457
Bless: MW/Arcane Finesse, Invuln 10, Regen.
Scales: 6203123
What are the nation's weaknesses?
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