New to the game, help with list building

Hey everyone, I am new to the game but I have already played two games of Pillage and I am absolutly loving it. Me and my friend are just starting with the core rulebook factions to keep things simple, but I am kind of struggling to find a proper list. As a medieval historian I have a big interest in the Carolingian Franks, I think they are super interesting. My question is, what is their shtick or their gimmick in this game? Besides having a cheaper warbanner they just seem like worse Normans when it comes to their gold costs and what special talents they can take.

Compared to the free supplements the core factions have a lot less flavour/special rules and thats fine but with basically all other factions I can find a niche or an idea on what type of list you want to make. If anyone has any suggestions or wants to add to my question please feel free. I am really enjoying the game I want to make that clear, it just feels a bit bad when your chosen faction feels so much more boring compared to other factions.