Shameless self promotion:
Here is my idea for a Norse Civilization.
Det er bare å ta en titt!
I am very in favor making the Norse villagers unique in a sence that they are also Militaristic. being able to turn vills into infantry, and infantry into vills should be their main gimmick.
This could allow some proper Dark age aggression with unique transport ships, and really play on the viking expansionary theme.
Being able to expand out into islands in watermaps, early, and on land be efficient early raiders. And give the French Royal knights a run for their money trying to harass civs who might just pull a spear up their yes.