Magnus Ver Samuelsson founded the Nordic Independent State (NIS) as an independently wealthy businessman and amateur historian from Iceland on Earth. He intended to bring the glory of the first millennia, the Age of the Vikings, back to those of Norse descent. Magnus teamed up with colleague Daniel Sutherland, a fellow Nordic and owner of a fledgling shipyard company. In 2231 they left Earth for the stars, accompanied by disillusioned masses from the former Scandinavian territories of the European Union.

The new colony developed quickly, its people embracing the desire to explore as the predecessors they emulated, and the Nordics revived the Viking philosophy as wanderers, traders and warriors. With such a legacy, the will of the Nordic Independent State grew stronger and they welcomed The First Galactic War. Fully prepared, The Nordics conquered and united neighboring colonies to survive.

They developed friendly relations with the economically powerful Free Kyrena Society, the scientists of New Columbia, and the rugged frontiersmen of the Orion Nation. These alliances allowed the NIS to expand and prosper, eventually becoming the first of the large colonies to dominate Orion space. And although the Nordics set aside their national identity to form the Orion League with their allies in 2312, the Nordic spirit continues to permeate the region in the love of exploration and naval expertise.

Game Benefits: As the backbone of Orion military might, the Nordics leave behind some of the diplomatic nature of their brethren. Nordic characters gain a +1 cultural bonus to Bluff, Intimidate, Gather Information, and Navigation checks.