I started out in Swabia (? sure, why not) and they went to war with the Nords. I went all special ed "I help you!" and started blundering into Nordic villages and razing them without actually asking the Swabian lords if they'd like the help. As a result, I have -25 honour, crap rep with the Nords and no positive love from the Swabbies for my efforts. On the plus side, I made bank and have some 30k and about the best equipment I've seen so far.