Andrastaland
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This is my attempt at launching a realm of my own on Dwilight. All work-in-progress, I don't even have a proper name yet. If you want to be a part of it, message me on the IRC channel, drop a line on my user page, or if you play in Norland/Taselak(SEI), message me in-game. -Andrasta 17:38, 12 December 2007 (CET)
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Name
Andrastaland is - of course - just a working title. For the actual name, I'm aiming for something resembling the word 'asylum' since Andrastaland will be more or less an asylum for nobles, and if not that, something similar.
Some names I thought of:
Asulon - after the Greek word for sanctuary. Resembles the word 'asylum' as well, so double whammy!
Refuga - from the word 'refuge'
Feel free to add your own suggestions on the talk page!
Summary
Andrastaland would be a realm different from most others. Instead of being a 'proper' realm with a firm social hierarchy, it would resemble more of a safe haven for misfits and exiles from other realms. Nobles with a troubled history, disgraced nobles and others would be able to start a new life in the truest sense of the word. No questions asked. It would be a tyranny ruled by yours truly (at least in the beginning). Andrastaland would have no fixed loyalties, and no true allies. In fact, if possible, I'd like to see a few 'tribes' secede from the original land, so the barbarians can fight amongst themselves when there are no foreign wars to fight. If a foreign enemy threatens their lands or culture, the tribes would cease fighting amongst themselves and go after their common enemy. Of course, there will be ample room for political maneuvering, so the tribes might fight eachother on behalf of others as well.
Being made up mostly of misfits, Andrastaland would probably be considered as a barbarian realm by most. Chivalry would be nothing but a strange word for Andrastalanders. Their definition of honor would be quite different from others. They would fight for power and gold, nothing else. They would pick their enemies based on convenience. To the Andrastalanders, doing the right thing means doing the thing that brings them the most gains. They would find enemies wherever possible, often striking deals with other realms to form an alliance of convenience. Those alliances would only last until Andrastaland has what it wants.
Beyond that, Andrastaland would be neutral to most realms, unless, of course, an opportunity for a smash-and-grab occurs. Realms bordering Andrastaland would have to make sure that they do not present themselves as a target, or risk a brutal unannounced invasion. Perhaps realms could somehow pay tribute (gold or food depending on the needs of Andrastaland) to keep Andrastaland from attacking them, much like the Romans paid the Gauls for not sacking Rome.
History
Not written yet.
Culture
Because Andrastaland is a new realm, with nobles flocking in from all corners of the world, its culture is a mix of others. All cultures setting foot in Andrastaland would have their influence, and this process would be on-going as more nobles arrive from other parts of the world.
Religion
There will be no 'state' religion in Andrastaland. Quite the opposite, religion will be banned in public. Nobles are free to practice their religions in private, but there will be no temples, no preaching, no religious tomfoolery of any kind.
Government
Tyranny. A single ruler holds all the power. Perhaps it could be arranged that prospective tyrants must find ways to take out the current tyrant. I'm thinking assassinations and death duels. No tyrant of Andrastaland should ever step down voluntarily for IC reasons (OOC reasons are different, of course). Another idea is that the tyrant has absolute power, i.e. he appoints himself as general, judge and banker, but I'm not sure that is entirely acceptable within the social contract.
Geography
Not sure. Ideally the location would suit the realm: inhospitable except for those who belong there. In that light, I have my hopes set for the West Barren area, around the Ruins of Walfburgisnacht (sp?), but that would require either a CTO after a long trek from Madina - which is a pickle considering the distance penalties to unit morale - or waiting for Madina and its satellites to expand far enough to the northwest of Madina City.
