“Gunnar was the newest member of the Varangian guard. He was much taller than the noblemen of the court, and with his long blonde hair and beard, he cut an imposing figure. His armour had seen battle during the recent uprising, and the head he carried trailed blood behind him. Much to the amazement of the court’s nobles, Gunnar still smelled of soap and oils, as if he just left the bathhouse. “My Emperor. I’ve brought the head of the rebels as asked.” He threw the head at one of the nobles, who caught and dropped it with a high-pitched shriek. “And that man is guilty too.”

Epic Armoury's Hirdsman Sword is part of the Vanguard line, and it is inspired by the swords of the Hirdsmen – the armed companies of Viking Age kings of Scandinavia with its small grip and carved detailing. The hilt is made from polyurethane and has a high degree of detailing, as it is sculpted to resemble wood reinforced with metal. This guarantees both comfort and a great grip for the wielder. The blade is made from closed-cell polyurethane foam and coloured to look as lifelike as possible. Unlike most LARP weapons, the Vanguard line requires virtually no maintenance beyond checking for wear and tear in the form of cuts or breaks.