| Since its inception in 1981, the rationale of the New Varangian Guard has been as barbarian Guardsmen of the Byzantine Emperor. But until 1999, we'd been Imperial Guardsmen without an Emperor to guard. I decided that, as nobody else had done it, I might as well declare myself Emperor, and shortly before the Bacchus Marsh Mediaeval Convention in 1999, I did so. |
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| This is me in my first Imperial appearance, at Bacchus Marsh 1999, accompanied by the Imperial Concubine (or porne) and my Varangian bodyguards. At the Saturday evening feast I sent a Precious Gift to my fellow Emperor, Snorri - it was Craig Sitch in mediaeval undies - not a pretty sight (video footage of this event available from Peter Lyon in New Zealand). I was assassinated twice, once while my bodyguards were trying to argue me into increasing their pay from one beer each to one slab (24 cans) of beer each - the second time was the following evening - by these selfsame bodyguards whom I'd refused to pay because they''d failed in their duties. You just can't get good help nowadays. |
| The Imperial Family - The Augustus (me), the Caesar ( my son David) and the Empress (Edith from Levantia), with members of our court from Hodegon and Levantia. At the 2001 Mediaeval Convention at Bowraville, about 500km north of Sydney. |
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| Egfroth the Emperor |
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| The Two Emperors - with my fellow Emperor, Snorrius Magnus Sciaticus, Rex et Imperator. Snorri as a pagan Roman Emperor is able to declare himself a god as well as Emperor. He is seen here with his face painted red, as avatar of the great God Mars. This was at the 2001 Convention, where We invited Snorri over to Our encampment for Imperial Drinkies. As it was Easter, We gave him loaves and fishes, only to discover he didn't like fish! |
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| Almost all photos courtesy of, and copyright by, Kindly Old Dr Dick, of the Colonial Photograph Studio, Grey Company Backstabbers Guild of Australia etc etc. |
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| Imperial Drinkies |
| At the 20th anniversary of Vlachernai, the founding garrison of the NVG, I appeared in my full Imperial finery with courtiers and guards to present medallions to members and ex-members of Vlachernai. Unfortunately, the opportunity to engage in a little assassination proved too tempting for certain persons of Belail . . . |
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| For more pictures of the Imperial regalia, click here |