Post originally by Jack Fortune at 2005-02-24 13:05:37
Converted from Phorums BB System

Well, the Crusades were right in the middle of the Middle Ages, but if you want early medieval period, there were plenty of intrigues going on. The beginning of the Reconquest of Spain started @ 1089, and there were plenty of plots running around that time. Vikings and Normans were used frequently as mercs throughout Europe.

One thing about the Vikings that you might keep in mind. Their power pretty much peaked at 1066, when they were beat by Harold Fairhair in England. I think at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. That's pretty early in the Medieval period, so there's no reason why one can't throw some Viking analogs into the midst of later Medieval plots. Otherwise, you'd be limiting yourself to a slim piece of time.