The Varangian Knights are a formidable enemy faction in the vast world of Aeternum, a mystical island filled with adventure and danger. These knights are inspired by the historical Varangian Guard, known for their Norse origins and prowess in battle. In New World, they are portrayed as ruthless warriors with connections to the lore of the game.
Historical Inspiration
The Varangian Guard, from which the Varangian Knights draw inspiration, was a renowned military unit in the Byzantine Empire. Composed primarily of Norsemen and later Anglo-Saxons, they served as the personal bodyguards of the Byzantine emperors and were known for their bravery and skill in combat.
In-Game Locations
In New World, the Varangian Knights can be found in various locations across Aeternum. Here are some key areas where you might encounter them:
Northwest Ebonscale: This region is home to a human elite area where level 60 Varangian Knights can be found. It's also a good spot for farming flame cores.
Glacial Tarn Expedition: Located in the northern part of Great Cleave, this level 65 expedition involves battling Varangian Knights, including the notable Ser Loth. The expedition is part of the weekly mutation rotation and requires preparation with specific potions and coatings.
As you venture through Aeternum, encountering the Varangian Knights, you might also focus on accumulating wealth in the form of new world coins. These coins are crucial for purchasing gear, potions, and other essential items that will aid you in battles against formidable foes like the Varangian Knights. Properly equipping yourself with robust gear can enhance your chances of success, whether you're facing them in Northwest Ebonscale or during the Glacial Tarn Expedition.
Lore and Role in Aeternum
The Varangian Knights in New World are depicted as fierce warriors with a history of pillaging and seeking riches across northern Europe. They are connected to King Artorius and have a complex relationship with him, initially as enemies and later as uneasy allies. Their leader, Warlord Varik, is a formidable figure designed to be as impressive as Artorius himself.
Tips for Encountering Varangian Knights
When facing the Varangian Knights, it's essential to be well-prepared. Here are some tips:
Gear Up: Ensure you have appropriate gear and potions, especially when tackling high-level expeditions like Glacial Tarn.
Explore Carefully: Be cautious when exploring new areas, as Varangian Knights can be found in unexpected locations.
Join Forces: Consider joining a group to tackle tougher enemies and expeditions.
In summary, the Varangian Knights are a significant part of New World's lore and gameplay, offering both challenges and opportunities for adventure and exploration. Their historical roots add depth to their in-game presence, making them a compelling enemy faction to encounter.
Elden Ring Builds: 15 Faith-Based Support Paths
When it comes to Elden Ring, one of the most intriguing aspects of gameplay is the variety of builds that players can create. Faith-based builds are particularly interesting for players who prefer a supportive playstyle, as they combine powerful healing, buffs, and offensive magic. In this article, we’ll dive into 15 different Faith-based support builds that can help you excel in both PvE and PvP, making your role as a support player more impactful than ever before. 1. Healing Cleric This classic Faith build focuses on maximizing healing potential for both you and your allies. By using a combination of healing spells like Heal and Great Heal, you’ll be the backbone of your team during long encounters. The Golden Scarab and other Elden Ring Items that boost healing effects can significantly increase your sustainability. Pair it with high Faith to enhance spell potency and protection buffs. 2. Buffing Paladin A buffing Paladin build is all about empowering your allies with potent defensive and offensive buffs. With Blessed Weapon and Flame, Grant Me Strength, you can make your teammates nearly unstoppable. Make sure to focus on collecting Elden Ring Runes to increase your Faith and vigor for better survivability. 3. Radiant Healer This path is designed for players who wish to be a beacon of hope on the battlefield. With Radagon’s Scarseal and other Elden Ring Items that improve Faith scaling, you can consistently regenerate health for your team while also applying radiant buffs to boost attack power. Blessed Dew is particularly useful for long dungeon runs. 4. Defensive Tank Support Though tanks are usually associated with high health and damage absorption, this build allows you to act as a tank while focusing on enhancing defensive stats. Use spells like Barrier of Gold for defense and Blessed Dagger for healing. Equip Sacred Scales and other Faith-boosting Elden Ring Items to maximize your defensive role. 5. Flame Warden A hybrid Faith and Fire build, the Flame Warden focuses on offensive spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength and Flame of Frenzy while also supporting allies with healing and buffs. This build is ideal for dealing damage while ensuring your team is constantly supported with the proper Faith-based tools. 6. Divine Support Mage For those who enjoy casting powerful divine spells while helping your team, this build combines Elden Ring Runes with divine magic to deal substantial damage. Blessed Emblem and Sacred Scepter are the perfect items to maximize the magic scaling. 7. Exalted Priest This build is for players who wish to support in both offensive and healing capacities. The Exalted Priest uses Holy Blade for both buffs and defense. Consider utilizing a mix of Sacred Tears and Faith-enhancing Elden Ring Items to keep your allies alive longer while ensuring your team benefits from offensive buffs like Lightfoot Grace. 8. Support Tank A build that can absorb hits while keeping your team alive, the Support Tank focuses on healing and defense. Equip heavy armor alongside high Faith for casting healing spells and buffs. Golden Vow and Blessed Dew work wonders in this setup, making your tank harder to take down. 9. Faith Archer This build combines ranged attacks with Faith magic to support the team. While focusing on archery, you’ll be casting buffs like Sacred Light and Divine Protection from afar. Pair this with Elden Ring Runes to ensure you have enough faith to use your more powerful spells. 10. Life Stealer A combination of offensive magic and healing, the Life Stealer build uses Drain Prayer to regain health while dealing damage. Your Faith scaling will increase both your healing and damage-dealing capacity, allowing you to both support and deal with enemies. 11. Sacred Healer Focused purely on healing, the Sacred Healer is for players who prefer to keep their team alive while dodging combat. With Great Heal and Sacred Oath, this build is extremely useful in longer boss fights. Consider boosting your Faith with Elden Ring Items such as Golden Scarab for better support potential. 12. Spiritual Guardian Ideal for players who want to provide both healing and protection to their team. As a Spiritual Guardian, you’ll focus on both defense and healing spells, such as Barrier of Gold and Sacred Mist. Equip high Faith gear to maximize your ability to block incoming damage and heal those in need. 13. Hybrid Faith Summoner This build focuses on summoning powerful allies to aid you in battle, all while providing the necessary buffs and heals to keep your team alive. Summon spirits like Regal Ancestor or Wandering Flame, while using spells like Cure Wounds to maintain control of the battlefield. Pair it with Elden Ring Runes that increase your Faith and summoning ability. 14. The Holy Knight A Faith-based support build designed for a more aggressive, tanky role in the game, the Holy Knight utilizes Sacred Blade and Golden Vow to both heal and buff allies while taking on front-line combat. With the ability to heal and protect others while also holding your own in battle, this build is a strong choice for any co-op encounters. 15. Divine Sentinel This build is a mix of ranged combat and support. Use powerful Faith spells like Sacred Spear for long-range offense and Blessed Protection for defense. Equip Elden Ring Items that enhance Faith scaling and ranged magic for maximum effectiveness. Faith-based builds in Elden Ring offer an incredible array of support options, from healing to powerful buffs and debuffs. With the right balance of Elden Ring Items, Faith scaling, and strategic spell choices, you can shape your character to be an indispensable member of any team. Whether you're looking to shield your allies or amplify their power, these builds allow you to play a vital support role in the Lands Between.