Distant exploits set off momentous developments at home. Besides wealth, raiders and traders brought word of exotic raw materials, of ways to make new kinds of goods, and of waiting markets. Craftsmen leapt to meet the desires of status-conscious Vikings and the demand for goods to trade abroad. Viking adventurers also brought news of Christianity, which would reshape life in the homelands. Later, Viking kings would find adopting Christianity useful in extending their power and influence.