[quote=SyrianHamster]
Liking the council idea, and the emphasis on unity of the realm. However, if we all do put down our axes and park up our longships in the garage, would we be likely to come up against a significant NPC threat from outside? Or would we just be RPing the running of the kingdom until someone decides the King needs replacing?
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There will be NPC threats stirring up trouble, mainly in the form of a historical enemy who will be making you guys nervous. As for the rest of the kingdoms, four in all, they will begin the game feeling neutral toward Norsia, and grow close or hostile depending on your actions as a whole. Aside from the threat posed by the other kingdoms, you can expect lots of internal threats keeping you busy, but not so overwhelming that your guys won't be able to do your own thing. 

Players can expect the majority of the game to focus on conflict created by the players, rather then the source of NPCs. So if the players are largely peaceful, the world will reflect that. If you are war mongers and wish to create an empire by the tip of your sword, expect an action packed game.