The idea of a Nordic Empire sounds interesting and compatible with Drenovias own history. If Rob and Kris are okay with it what if: there was an old Nordic Empire that encompassed say the territories of ES, Sudmark, and whatever would have been Nya Aland and UNP prior to the former's annexation of the latter?
Additionally, this Nordic Empire could have maintained good relations with Drenovia and balanced power within Southern Albion/Antilian region, that is until the rapid expansion of Christianity in the region. The faith would expand into the Empire's Southern Albion territories, (atm just ES & Sudmark, but anyone else who is latter interested could use this for their own History if they'd like?) this creates religious unrest between odinists and Christrians. This Unrest latter involves Drenovia leading to a Odinits/Nordic-Drenovian alliance of sorts against the expansionist Christians. This can then be used as an explanation for Christianity's negative(?) association in both Nya Aland, and Drenovia if they are interested. As well as the Mytrdom of St. Peter and the creation of ES as a Christian stronghold in Albion?
Spoiler: Proposed Concept of old Nordic Empire: show Blue: Proposed Territories of the Empire
Ice Blue: Drenovia in relation to the empire