Norsemen

Aggressive, Infantry, Navy, Economy
Time period focus: 8th-11th century
Primary resource: bit of everything

The Norsemen deck highlights Viking Age warriors from Scandinavia, renowned for their raids and maritime expertise. Their unannounced raids struck terror across Europe, earning them a fearsome reputation. However, the Norse were more than raiders, they were explorers, traders, and settlers who ventured as far as North America.

Norsemen did not form traditional organized armies. Instead, Viking society inherently prepared every man to be a seasoned warrior. From an early age, they were trained in combat and survival, as the harsh environment and frequent conflicts demanded such skills. They favored minimal armor for mobility, relying heavily on their iconic round shields for protection. A warrior without a shield was considered highly vulnerable. Their weaponry included swords, spears, axes, and early longbows.

As pagan traditions gave way to Christianity, the Norse established stronger ties with mainland Europe. Settlements along coastlines often grew into major trade hubs, furthering their influence.