The Varangian Voice was originally published in 1984 as the “extremely unofficial news letter of the New Varangian Guard.” (VV Issue 1, 1984) It gained officialdom and continued to be produced more or less quarterly until issue 71 in April 2007.
Issues of Varangian Voice were hosted on the NVG’s website but have since been moved to this site.
The tables of contents of issues 1 to 71 are available inna single pdf document. Very few of the early issues are dated, so my year groups may be out by an issue or so. After issue 18 it has secure dating evidence.
Download1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990
1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007
1984
| VV Issue 01 Objectives and targets in individual combat Poem – Miniver Cheevy |
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| VV Issue 02 Food for thought Weight of armour Two clever locks Battle of Maldon Apple or pear cider Gundaroo 1984 Celtic art The convention Jousting Viking axe |
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| VV Issue 03 the crossbow Food for thought T-tunic The ruin Celtic art Riddles |
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| VV Issue 04 Byzantine terms Byzantine names 1066 Odinfest Woman’s costume The armourer Mayday festival |
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1985
| VV Issue 05 Shields Order of the Centaur A medieval sword Fitting and tailoring mail Recipes Damascus steel Crossbow as a surgical instrument Book of Kells animals A Varangians song Officers Bransle Architectural wrought ironwork Linen cuirass and linen armour Barrel helm |
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1986
| VV Issue 06 Proposed archery standards Anglo-Saxon riddles Hurdy gurdy Accord (medieval songs) Activities for “86” Saxon shield The bow Scramasax |
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| VV Issue 07 Old Scots laws Castle Mountain ’87 Maldon midwinter feast Recipes Motte & Bailey castles Castle terminology Late breakfast When women were tough The word ‘oak’ NVG events Caesar invades Britain |
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1987
| VV Issue 08 Conference details Arrow loops & meutrieres Better archery Fireplaces Heralds Staff weapons Annihilated again Byzantine military regulations NVG calendar |
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| VV Issue 09 Archery report Dark ages combat report Notices Organisation of NVG Inc Bogman of Cheshire |
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| VV Issue 10 Notices After the Gathering Poem Go a Viking Kings task Varangian companion |
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1988
| VV Issue 11 Rowany report Odin fest report Odin fest archery report Gothic architecture Alverics archery visor |
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| VV Issue 12 Memorable events AAF Spring fair report Herbal beer Poem |
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1989
| VV Issue 13 NEMAS annual banquet Crossword Clown hall feast Songs Archery combat day |
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| VV Issue 14 Maldon ’89 Conference competition results Great bridge battle of Maldon Some beverage thoughts Forth crusade and the fall of Constantinople |
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| VV Issue 15 Games ’89 Among our weaponry SCA winter in vesture Medieval gourmet night Recipe Byzantine costume Defence in depth Letters & notices Pedlars page |
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1990
| VV Issue 16 Mudgee Mead & mayhem SCA uncivil war 24 hour siege Alverics archery visor Medieval gourmet night Recipe Among our weaponry How not to be a barbarian Beer, dear to our hearts Song Letters |
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| VV Issue 17 Siege – apocryphal accounts Siege – some comments from the SCA Among our weaponry Art of courtly love Varangian banner NVG banners past present & future Medieval gourmet night Recipe At a Varangian table Arabic names & titles Viking shields NVG Mildura Book review Allahu Akbar |
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| VV Issue 18 Garrison reports (Urds, Blue mountains, Sydney) Book reviews AABS conference Ladies at war Bayeux bloomers Archers corner Early Islamic attitudes to unbelievers Bulgarians Poem Keltic shields Wrestling Fox & geese game Poem |
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1991
| VV Issue 19 Garrison reports Book review More on the Bulgarians Scale aventail Alverics scale aventail VIth Conference Wrestling Cooking Games |
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| VV Issue 20 The guard 10 years on Garrison reports Book review Varangians of Russia Kings retinue Tourney Battle honours A Moslem view of the crusades Cooking Pastimes – riddles |
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1992
| VV Issue 21 Garrison reports Book review Force of blows Notes on Byzantine costume The Seljuk Women in the Byzantine Imperial family First aid treatments Definition of a castle Earliest European monarchy Banners |
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| VV Issue 22 NVG Conference 1992 Al Zinj archery competition Autumn in Armidale Rowany Mountains report Archery training report Fletching register Sharing information Life on the borders of the Empire Making a bowstring Ankle boot construction Islamic names The “Varangian Rhomphaia” |
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| VV Issue 23 National structure Ben-Allah report Once a jolly Varangian Seljuq armour & weapons Banded lamellar Illustration of a Varangian Peter’s boot pattern The Solenarion Port Headland news |
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| VV Issue 24 Cossack fair Things of interest Battle standards National body discussion Viking shoe pattern Letter to members What light through yonder window breaks – Lookout, a fire arrow Fletching register 7th medieval convention East European heraldry The Balkan Slavs Uses of the Varangian Guard Tiraz band |
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1993
| VV Issue 25 A Varangian in Byzantium Al-Zinj archery tournament Golden arrow archery tournament Museum contacts The Magyars Sabres Update on the 7th Australasian medieval convention |
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| VV Issue 26 Inter garrison news Projectile combat Noted in Alexiad Using carved stone as a source material A case for personae A 15th century battle standard Book reviews On the wearing of purple |
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| VV Issue 27 Constantinople through the eyes of the early crusaders Byzantine coinage Use of cosmetics and perfume in Islam A Turko-Persian noblewoman’s costume Fletching register Conference archery results Book reviews |
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| VV Issue 28 Wagga review Archery scores Do the bolt Eighth Byzantine studies conference report Shoes from Parliament St York Going to town Use of cosmetics part 2 Academic historiography and historical reenactment The Varangian bra The Mamluk “Furisiyya” Song of the Riverina garrison |
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| VV Issue 29 Adaptation of the Bocksten man’s tunic Soft armour of the Varangian period Uses of elder La Gran Contessa Traveller’s tales Erotic poems from India and Spain On the Incorporation Fletching register Centrepiece – Chess Persian Metal Technology 700-1300 book review Medieval archer’s society Bibliography of archery Some maces Personae and pottery part 1 Recipe review |
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1994
| VV Issue 30 Outpost reports Letter re use of personae Insurance Chastelet letter and press release Middle eastern medieval tent part 1 Meandering through tapestry Viking age scabbards from archaeological finds Headwear and mantles for Egyptian and Arab dress part 1 History alive |
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| VV Issue 31 Dyrrachium life on the edge of an empire The “Norman Bib” reconstructed The Viking conversion to Christianity Islamic eastern medieval tent part 2 Islamic helmet & some Byzantine helms Know your rights, know your limits Bocksten man 2 – Adaptation of the Bocksten man’s hood The computer and the medievalist Global medieval information network Unicornis captivatur Anon C13 song Headwear and mantles for Egyptian and Arab dress part 2 Recipes for fermented milk products Grubbing in the cesspit – Archaeology news Conference 1995 Book reviews Archery results |
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| VV Issue 32 Some examples of Ayyubid or early Mameluk leatherwork A Byzantine style helmet based on the Skylitzes chronicle of Madrid The spear – Be it ever so humble Incorporation issues Three depictions, possibly based on Varangians A collation of some of the personal names from some of the Sagas part 1 Belly dancing costumes from Guard period illustrations part 1 Irish hairnet |
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| VV Issue 33 Firemaking using flint and steel The Vikings of Erin – A short history Highlights of Denise and Sven’s overseas adventure – Istanbul and Scandinavia Belly dancing costumes from Guard period illustrations part 2 A sleeve and shoulder arrangement for hanging lamellar A collation of some of the personal names from some of the Sagas part 2 Centrepiece – X chairs – Portable seating for the wealthy Musical instruments and ensembles of the Byzantine era Summary – Digenes Akritas and the armies of the Akritoi More and yet more helmets part 1 The Varangians of Byzantium – Problems with the Blondal/Benedikz book Infantry vs cavalry: The Byzantine response AMCA combat survey results |
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1995
| VV Issue 34 An eleventh century shirt from Denmark More and yet more helmets part 2 Byzantine tableware Patterns for a Turcoman shirt, coat and trousers The spear butt Association news – How to host an association meeting The Gjermundbu mail shirt Book review – Anglo-Saxon dress |
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| VV Issue 35 The magical belt buckle tour (poem) Conference ’95 Greek fire and gunpowder in the Byzantine armies The mystery of the 2 headed axe of Alexander Neckham A light in the East A Bulgarian/Byzantine hat Authenticity – Everyone’s responsibility Against personas Centrepiece – Some Guard period marriage customs The English Varangians The “Viking shield” from archaeology There’s a first time for everything |
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| VV Issue 36 Conferences ’95 Garrisons: Authentic or practical Relations with “The Movement” The Armenians Muggers of old Viking pillow from Mammen Food and culinary recipes of the Byzantines Banquest vs authenticity The Islamic shadow play – A “new” excuse for bawdiness The English at the battle of Myriokephalon November archery event Archery results Batlow Sept ’95 Spear penetration Book review Video review |
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| VV Issue 37 Kiev and the supply of Norse mercinaries to Constantinople The oilskin cloak that never went to Batlow Wooden shafts – One chop and they’re history Wickelbander Centrepiece – Medieval gardens The adoption of Byzantine equipment and customs by the Varangian Guard The myth of purple pants Books – Daily living in the 12th century The Gjermundbu mail shirt Greek fire and gunpowder part 2 The miracles of St Basil of Nausea November archery event Al Zinj archery tournament results Hector Cole replica arrow heads |
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1996
| VV Issue 38 Everyday life of the Emperor’s Varangians Further comment on the Varangian lifestyle A view from Adelaide Shovels – Not boring at all The tale of the simpleton husband – A shadow play A look at lamellar European tents Crusader helmets Whither the New Varangian Guard? Book review – Anglo-Saxon food |
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| VV Issue 39 A pre-battle ritual Basic Viking belt, pouch and cape Whither the NVG – A reply Viking network Viking souvenir and Sigtuna museum Hamaval A simple shoe A medieval Byzantine helmet Certain historical facts Book review Food, glorious food |
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| VV Issue 40 Items of interest on Queen Melisende’s psalter covers Svyatoslav codex Byzantine game of Empodizon Ischadas or Bob Fig African armour on the eve of the 2nd Punic war A pilgrim’s alms satchel Sven’s conference tips The fletching register Domesday book Book review Food, glorious food |
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| VV Issue 41 Post empire Byzantine warriors – The Stradiotes Approaches to re-enactment The work of angles Two unusual bottles Queen Melisende’s psalter covers – part 2 NVG gathering Oct ’96 Food, glorious food |
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1997
| VV Issue 42 Commentary Combat rule review When is Sviatoslav not “the” Sviatoslav A short history of Byzantine Thessalonika Byzantine armour for re-enactors A survey of cloth armours depicted in the Maciejowski bible The common art of regicide Book review |
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| VV Issue 43 The foot soldier Bringer of plenty And ne’er the twain shall meet? Primary sources for Viking information Food, glorious food |
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| VV Issue 44 The “Pioneer helmet” Battle numbers A diplomat’s view of Constantinople in the 10th century Trivia The 2 Saints Cyril A more problematic tunic pattern of our period A select chronology of Byzantium – part 1 The spear butt The real Gothic script The bear Measuring military hardware Havamal translations |
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| VV Issue 45 A select chronology of Byzantium – part 2 Errata Experiments with early medieval pottery A brief history of velvet Foot soldiers – or tin cans on legs? Book review Byzantine military coats Havamal translations Sebbersund – A Viking town in north Jutland, Denmark |
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1998
| VV Issue 46 Group re-enactment in the social context – An opinion To be historical or not to be historical, that is the question More information on Byzantine padded armour and helmets 9th Australian medieval conference competition results History of archery – Conference paper – part 1 A multiple plate helmet More satchels Havamal translations Food glorious food |
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| VV Issue 47 A Varangian encampment The Armenian history of Vardapet Aistakes Lastivertc’i Chronology of the crossbow How heavily armoured were the Emperor’s Varangians The battle of the books History of archery part 2 – Glossary Appendix |
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| VV Issue 48 The mission of Bruno of Querfurt to the Pechenegs Common life in Byzantium Graffito of a medieval sip in Hagia Sophia cathedral The baptism of Vladimir from the history of Yahya ibn-Said of Antioch A replica Viking chest based on the Mastermyr find History of archery part 3 – Glossary Appendix |
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| VV Issue 49 Byzantine lamellar armour – Conjectural reconstruction of a find Is this the heart of the Byzantine empire How well armoured were the Emperor’s Varangians – Another point of view Byzantine bags How to make a replica of a Viking table based on the Sala Hytta find Nikephorian questions |
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1999
| VV Issue 50 What is a castle Genesis of the Emperor’s Varangians – A new theory Simple Viking jewellery Projectile combat How to construct a projectile combat helm The “Lund” Viking stool Reading sources: Material detail in Byzantine literature |
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| VV Issue 51 Turkish leather water bottles Anglo-Saxon beards and Harold Godwinson’s amazing handlebar moustache Runes as everyday literacy Where does a Turk keep his money? |
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| VV Issue 52 NVG Inc web page Ring headed pins Heraldry and the 12th century shield A warrior with a Danish axe in a Byzantine ivory panel Mediterranean camp cooking menus 13th century central Asian/middle eastern clothing from existing garments |
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2000
| VV Issue 53 The end of the Viking age Temple rings and female headdress of the eastern Slavs in Rus part 1 Wierd and wacky weapons of the PBI |
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| VV Issue 54 How to make a Viking toy horse Eating in Byzantium – Provisioning and mess practice in the Byzantine army A Varangian recruitment officer Book review: The Mastermyr find – A Viking age tool chest from Gotland The Byzantine diadem |
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| VV Issue 55 Past times: NVG annual archery tournament Joint training Pt Gellibrand Past times ahead: Australian medieval reenactment conference Eastern archery Byzantium: The English connection Relics of the Varangians part 1 Book review: A history of the Kings of England The use of sword on sword Two Chinese archery games What’s the name of your sword |
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| VV Issue 56 Report: Hastings 2000 Secrets of bigger, faster medieval ships uncovered by Channel Island ferries Yet another satchel The skills expected of an archer What is a Viking? Relics of the Varangians part 2 Eating in Byzantium |
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2001
| VV Issue 57 Past times: Nordmannia feast report & NVG AGM Sven Asliefson: last of the Vikings Eating in Byzantium The seal of Bardas Relics of the Varangians part 3 An interesting collection of archer’s rings The great Hastings trip Book review: Somerled and the emergence of Gaelic Scotland |
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| VV Issue 58 NVG on the internet Vlachernai Garrison’s 20th birthday event Interpretation of the identity of the 2 cavalrymen in the Dovecote church, Goreme Everyday life with the Emperor’s Varangians Byzantine woman’s stola & palla & Byzantine men’s tunica The Godwins: A family of power Friends and foes of Byzantium |
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| VV Issue 59 Past times: Vlachernai’s 20th birthday & Al Zinj’s archery results A history of the NVG The making of a bone archer’s ring A history of the city Chersonesos What is it? Three book reviews Relics of the Varangians part 4 A light in the dark A battle at Corryong (The Gathering) |
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2002
| VV Issue 60 Past times: Vlachernai Garrison’s 20th birthday event The Khazars Amongst the treasures of Mt Athos – Greek manuscripts of Hodegon monastry Authenticity: Holy grail or holy hand grenade Ballock or kidney daggers Making a hardened leather lamellar Burning down the house |
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| VV Issue 61 The Armidale Odyssey Two representations of Byzantine quilted armour in the Tokali Kililse The battle of Larissa The Swiss A Marshall’s report from Armidale |
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| VV Issue 62 The Viking longhouse project Small round shields Making horn armour Two headed axes in the middle ages Some interesting shoes |
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| VV Issue 63 November 2002 – February 2003 Siege and skirmish event report Vlachernai skirmish weekend The dekad: Size and composition The great rhomphaia controversy Siegfried |
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2003
| VV Issue 64 2003 conference report Vlachernai archery event report Project 1453 report Comments on “What is it?” A manuscript illustration Feasts and food under felt Integral and separate coifs at the battle of Hastings Knattleikr: The Trelleborg rules with Vlachernai variations |
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| VV Issue 65 A report on BMFAT from the NVG The Tvinningsben or Lucet Reconstruction of the Coppergate sock The Byzantine kavadion Interpretation of the identity of the 2 cavalrymen in the Dovecote church Book review: Arthur and the lost kingdoms |
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2004
| VV Issue 66 Melbourne medieval fayre and tourney report A Byzantine passtime: Stovmachion – stovmakion Byzantine shield patterns – Making use of primary sources The sabre of Charlemagne A fur lined Rus kaftan Some possible models for the kavadion A full suit of Korean lamellar armour |
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| VV Issue 67 In memoriam Valerie Houghton Reconstruction of the Viborg shirt The military equipment of Johannes Tzimiskes in the paintings of the Dovecote church, Cavusin: the spear Vlachernai archery weekend, Kinglake Recipe: Beef and ale stew The gathering 2004: Corryong The Raid |
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| VV Issue 68 MMFAT 2004 Obituary: Mikko Sikstrom A Veneto-Byzantine chest? Casket of the blessed Juliana of Collalto Traveller’s tales Garrison names in the NVG Decorating horn and bone the peasant way The Hussars Footwork: Re-enactment fighting and George Silver |
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2005
| VV Issue 69 Medieval and Renaissance Fair – South Australia 2004 Walking under the Southern Cross Melbourne Medieval Fair & Tournament Differences in Turkish and Mongolian clothing of the 13th and 14th Century Byzantine Processional Crosses |
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2006
| VV Issue 70 What was worn under the tunic in the 11th century Chests catalogue 8th – 13th century Europe The military equipment of Johannes Tzimiskes in the Cavusin paintings, Goreme Dovecote church: The skaplion-zaba European hauberk construction |
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2007
| VV Issue 71 New discovery of Viking Age clothing from Pskov, Russia Sword vs Shield Scale armour construction Viking chest lock: Instruction on how to make a Viking chest lock 2007 Medieval Conference Reports – Damp-a-con, Cheddar Con 2007 Period encampment inspection report & archery competition results Book review – Viking: Sworn Brother – The heroes of the North live on |
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