In my opinion, Valhalla is the best game I've ever played, and it truly transports me to a volatile and amazing time in history. Ubisoft has done a great job in highlighting so many cultures that came crashing together, and the few bugs I encounter are nothing to the joy I have running around as Eivor, exploring, learning and plundering. With the upcoming expansion into Ireland, Valhalla just keeps getting more interesting and exciting. But we could do even more.
With that said, I believe that expanding raids and stories into Spain could easily continue Valhalla, and head into real locations where the Vikings explored. Whether in an expansion or companion game, the Vikings in Spain would be a perfect addition to this world, as the country had a unique series of circumstances that would fit right into the current Valhalla storylines.
We have several separate Christian kingdoms that were often fighting each other when they weren't fighting the Saracens from the south, and Viking raiders from the north. The Vikings sailed and plundered along the northern Iberian coast, continuing along the southwestern coast into Saracen territory, stealing from cities and religious communities, and having battles with both Christian Spaniards (which were separated into several kingdoms- Leonese, Navarese, Castilian, etc.) and Islamic Muslims/Moors. There are castles, large and small settlements, converted Spanish cities transformed into gorgeous Islamic beacons of science, art, and architecture, as well as Roman and Celtic ruins and shrines left behind. Here, we have Islamic, Jewish and Christian people living with and/or fighting each other, with lots of places for the Order to hide. This all made easy pickings for the Vikings, and they even set up a settlement that lasted for 3 years.
In the end, the Muslim armies proved too strong for the Vikings, and they were eventually driven out of Iberia. But the lands, cities, ruins and various peoples at the time of Valhalla would provide a wonderful and exciting addition to the most amazing world Ubisoft has created with Valhalla.
I know we have been to Spain before in another AC game, but this was limited to 15th c southern Spain. And so while Ubisoft would have some of the landscape already set out, the political structure and architecture would be more in line with current Valhalla standards. Lots of things you could do and explore here, and simply perfect for a wayward Viking to find.
Loving the game, thank you for putting this out there for us to enjoy!
-Rain
Boooooooouuuuuuuuuu ubisoft