There is a saying on the American political scene, "All politics are local." This saying was rarely truer than during the time period we are considering now. In all cultures presented in the game political power was very much a local reality. A person's vision didn't often extend to the larger scene and so people tended to look to the nearest strong man to wield political power and offer protection and security. Some few sought to be that local strongman.

The seeds have feudalism have been planted but have yet to grow to maturity in Christian Europe. In Anglo-Saxon Britain a man who owns property would be known as a thegn or thane in more modern English. He might ally himself to a more powerful thane or have a less powerful thane as an ally, but the bonds of feudal obligation are far from absolute. The king at this time is weak and the Saxon royal family is fighting a losing battle against the encroaching Danes. Young Alfred is a mere boy; perhaps he will reverse the tide at least to an extent when he grows to adulthood. Elsewhere in Europe it is much the same. The kings are the nominal rulers over disintegrating realms.

The Celtic political system, by contrast, is dominated by clan loyalties, which are far stronger than any sense of national identity. Tribal chieftains who preside over tiny domains rule Celtic clans. The political life of Celtic lands centers around the estates of the chieftain. This is changing to an extent at least in Scotland where Kenneth MacAlpin has been named King. Still, even in Scotland, the clan is the most basic reality of political life. Ireland still awaits the emergence of a high king.

In addition the Christian Church is a major player in the political arena. The Church is often the only institution with land, power, and authority. In such cases a bishop or an abbot can rule over a significant tract of land and often retain a military force sufficient to defend church property.

The Norse also have a highly decentralized political system. In Norway the local Jarls fight amongst themselves as often as they send out a raid to harass the English. Harald Fairhair has yet to bring unity to Norway. In Ireland Olaf the White holds the title of "King of the Norse in Erin" but what exactly the title means remains to be seen. The Jarls of Muenster and Cork frequently have their own ideas while the relationship of Olaf to the Jarls of Man and other island locations is ambiguous at best.

In addition, the ebb and flow of refugees complicate the political scene. Where the Norse are able to gain a foothold they often displace people who flock back upon their countrymen creating economic and political challenges. All in the entire situation is in flux, but also filled with opportunity for those who want to grab and wield political power!