Dwilight/Westgardian
When Atamara and the Far East were sunk, refugees found their way to Dwilight, where they settled on the then depopulated Gelene Plain. There they founded the Duchy of Gelene, which they soon renamed to Westgard, because they became the first to brave the Occidens. This instilled a sense op pride in them and made them feel responsible for protecting the eastern realms against the creatures from the Netherworld. Being from very different cultures, the Westgardians were not very outspoken about religion. They found a common ground in The Virtues, but believing their duty was to protect all men, The Virtues became more a military code than a religion. Every Westgardian is raised with these Virtues and blends them with whatever other beliefs they hold.
Since they were unfamiliar with the already present realms and their complicated relations, Westgard adopted isolationist policies, focussing on the monsters which they found much easier to understand. This helped foster a condescending attitude towards the bickering and greedy people in the east, resulting in Occidentalism. Although this doctrine was abandoned after the destructive Gold Sea Conflict, the idea of being superior to other people is strongly ingrained in the Westgardian culture. A striking proof of this Westgard-centric mind is the map about Dwilight at the University of Gelene, which can be seen on the right. This map is very incorrect for the regions to the south, which Westgardians found not interesting.
Due to its location, Westgard became very attractive to the Seax, who had found refuge on Northnastrond after the Great Monster Invasion. Many of them dreaming of restoring Everguard. Their contribution to the military culture and also philosophies like Occidentalism should not be underestimated. In fact, when Westgardians enter into a conflict it can generally be attributed to those of Seax descent. This does not mean the Atamarans and Far Easterners shy away from conflict, but the Seax care far less about the isolationism and are generally far more enthousiastic about war.
When the noble lines of Astrum grew thin, they decided to cross over from the Mimer Peninsula. They brought with them Sanguis Astroism, which blended nicely with The Virtues. Making up significant part of the noble houses, the Astrumese became a huge influence in Westgard. This influence has especially become apparent in the increased urbanization of the populace and also in the professionalization of the formerly rather informal army. One could argue that the Astrumese have helped Westgard to become civilized. However, campaigning together in the wilderness leads to fraternization and speaking of these different subcultures would be considered an insult to a Westgardian. To them there are no Everguardians, Astrumese, Atamarans and Far Easterners: everyone wearing the silver-green is a Westgardian.
