[Edi]

Actually, Vanheim's starting position is relatively good (unless the game assigns all of the provinces there as small ones, which would crimp income). It's safe from immediate attack from all but Atlantis and/or CotS Marignon, and they have sailing troops. The Dwarven Smiths are kind of stuck on the islands, but that's a minor tradeoff. I'm not experienced in playing Vanheim at all, so I thought I might as well try.

Then again, if my assumptions turn out wrong (I've never tried Vanheim on either Faerun map), I'll be getting my just desserts, no?

Edi