Post by The Dark One on Apr 19, 2020 4:28:36 GMT
Summary:
Murandy
- Murandy is a small nation located in hilly countryside with much larger neighbors on three sides. (Andor to the North, Far Madding to the East, Illian to the South)
- The people of Murandy, much like the people of Altara, do not really consider themselves the residents of a nation. They are more likely to claim allegiance to one or another of the local lords.
- Roedran, theDouche King, is able to unite the various lords and their armies of Murandy via some trickery involving the Band of the Red Hand, they march to Merrilor and sign the Dragon's Peace.
- The people of Murandy, much like the people of Altara, do not really consider themselves the residents of a nation. They are more likely to claim allegiance to one or another of the local lords.
- Roedran, the
Lugard, home of tramps, thieves, and Padan Fain
This is what the wiki says about Lugard (just as a refresher, before we dive into the the "what's next"
The capital city of Lugard is located in central Murandy, and trade there always flourishes, regardless of whatever political upheaval may be engulfing the city or nation; it is this trade which keeps the city alive. It is one of few cities in the world which has more inns and stables than residences and shops. Lugard was once surrounded by a tall stone wall, but it has since crumbled. The many thieves who call Lugard home consider any foreigner a fair mark, and the unpaved roads and alleys are dangerous to travel alone. Located on the River Reisendrelle where it joins the River Storn in the heart of Murandy. The Jehannah Road runs west to Jehannah. The Silver Road runs south to Illian. The Lugard Road runs northeast through Four Kings and on to Caemlyn; the roadway running southwest through Altara is also known as the Lugard Road. The eastern gate of Lugard is the Shilene Gate. Lugard is a dirty city, dusty and noisy, its gray outer walls in a state of disrepair and its inner stone walls in worse shape. Many of its broad roads are unpaved, despite the flourishing trade that brings scores of wagons trafficking through--from Illian, Ebou Dar, Ghealdan, and Andor. Houses, shops, and inns all are of gray stone and roofed in blue, red, purple or green tiles but those bright colors are covered with a dull haze of dirt. Lugard has a well earned reputation not only for commerce but for thievery and licentiousness as well. Outsiders are well advised to heed the Lugarder saying: "Trust no one but your self, and yourself not too much." Taverns and common rooms in inns are judged by some to be bawdier than most.
The capital city of Lugard is located in central Murandy, and trade there always flourishes, regardless of whatever political upheaval may be engulfing the city or nation; it is this trade which keeps the city alive. It is one of few cities in the world which has more inns and stables than residences and shops. Lugard was once surrounded by a tall stone wall, but it has since crumbled. The many thieves who call Lugard home consider any foreigner a fair mark, and the unpaved roads and alleys are dangerous to travel alone. Located on the River Reisendrelle where it joins the River Storn in the heart of Murandy. The Jehannah Road runs west to Jehannah. The Silver Road runs south to Illian. The Lugard Road runs northeast through Four Kings and on to Caemlyn; the roadway running southwest through Altara is also known as the Lugard Road. The eastern gate of Lugard is the Shilene Gate. Lugard is a dirty city, dusty and noisy, its gray outer walls in a state of disrepair and its inner stone walls in worse shape. Many of its broad roads are unpaved, despite the flourishing trade that brings scores of wagons trafficking through--from Illian, Ebou Dar, Ghealdan, and Andor. Houses, shops, and inns all are of gray stone and roofed in blue, red, purple or green tiles but those bright colors are covered with a dull haze of dirt. Lugard has a well earned reputation not only for commerce but for thievery and licentiousness as well. Outsiders are well advised to heed the Lugarder saying: "Trust no one but your self, and yourself not too much." Taverns and common rooms in inns are judged by some to be bawdier than most.
Here is what the preparty peeps said (for my summary notes later)
Carl: As far as my take on Murandy, it's basically the Ukraine of Randland. It has built an entire identity out of being the border marches between other great powers. Also darkfriends. So it's a big center of regional trade, but since the trade is dominated by a mercantile class, it doesn't really have a national identity. Individual cities become much more significant, to the detriment of the larger entity.
So, the EU. or pre-civil war USA. At least, that's how it starts. Larger political shifts are possible in the intervening century...
Jair: I like evil (paraphrased)
Eve: Altara is ripe for the picking (paraphrased)
Jules: Alternatively...given Murandy's past association with Darkfriends, perhaps current DFs use it as an obvious scapegoat?
Carl: As far as my take on Murandy, it's basically the Ukraine of Randland. It has built an entire identity out of being the border marches between other great powers. Also darkfriends. So it's a big center of regional trade, but since the trade is dominated by a mercantile class, it doesn't really have a national identity. Individual cities become much more significant, to the detriment of the larger entity.
So, the EU. or pre-civil war USA. At least, that's how it starts. Larger political shifts are possible in the intervening century...
Jair: I like evil (paraphrased)
Eve: Altara is ripe for the picking (paraphrased)
Jules: Alternatively...given Murandy's past association with Darkfriends, perhaps current DFs use it as an obvious scapegoat?
- Do the local nobility still hold sway in their various lands?
- Has the crown gained or lost strength since the Last Battle? Does it even still exist?
- Has the crown gained or lost strength since the Last Battle? Does it even still exist?
Terrac’s/Menethil
could be a Shogun stlye thing?
a nominal ruler in the capital, but only so long as they are strong enough to hold the city and their allies
could be a Shogun stlye thing?
a nominal ruler in the capital, but only so long as they are strong enough to hold the city and their allies
Eve
Kay had mentioned maybe the crown holds together for a bit, but is now starting to crumble to ruin, leaving a bit of a vacuum
Kay had mentioned maybe the crown holds together for a bit, but is now starting to crumble to ruin, leaving a bit of a vacuum
Kay
And destabilizing is very common in second generation rule, from what I remember from my classes The first gen has to be able to take and hold power, the second gen (sometimes the third) expects it, and consequently loses it
Eve
Sounds about right
Terrac’s/Menethil
It's common after a strong ruler
well, more common
Eve
Roedran wasn't really, but let's assume his successor was, but now it's all going back down the tubes
Terrac’s/Menethil
that'd make sense
a mediocre ruler followed by a strong one followed by a relatively weak one
Eve
It is so.
And destabilizing is very common in second generation rule, from what I remember from my classes The first gen has to be able to take and hold power, the second gen (sometimes the third) expects it, and consequently loses it
Eve
Sounds about right
Terrac’s/Menethil
It's common after a strong ruler
well, more common
Eve
Roedran wasn't really, but let's assume his successor was, but now it's all going back down the tubes
Terrac’s/Menethil
that'd make sense
a mediocre ruler followed by a strong one followed by a relatively weak one
Eve
It is so.
Kay
The upshot is that that’s enough time to develop a national identity, so Murandy might be more inclined to struggle to unification than be content with separate spheres.
The upshot is that that’s enough time to develop a national identity, so Murandy might be more inclined to struggle to unification than be content with separate spheres.
Tseia:
The aggression between lords could transition to rivalry in trade?
The aggression between lords could transition to rivalry in trade?
Shai’tan 😈
I love me some thieves and bandits so I am all for keeping that since everywhere else seems to be pretty pristine
Terrac’s/Menethil
Bandits seem a stretch if nobles are taking their rivalries to trade
thieves would make sense though
Kay
I’d say a den of thieves has some appeal; I don’t think we have that niche yet, and it lends credence to this being a nation struggling to sustain itself. If the nobles can’t control (enough) of the roads, banditry might still be plausible. And I’d think in a trade hub it’d be profitable too. And if the nobility is weak from a fractured throne and power struggle, well Heck, they might even hire bandits to go after rivals.
Tseia
For some reason, Pratchet popped into my head. Where the assassins have their own guild and it's legal and everything.
Terrac’s/Menethil
could even establish a thieves guild in a sense
I love me some thieves and bandits so I am all for keeping that since everywhere else seems to be pretty pristine
Terrac’s/Menethil
Bandits seem a stretch if nobles are taking their rivalries to trade
thieves would make sense though
Kay
I’d say a den of thieves has some appeal; I don’t think we have that niche yet, and it lends credence to this being a nation struggling to sustain itself. If the nobles can’t control (enough) of the roads, banditry might still be plausible. And I’d think in a trade hub it’d be profitable too. And if the nobility is weak from a fractured throne and power struggle, well Heck, they might even hire bandits to go after rivals.
Tseia
For some reason, Pratchet popped into my head. Where the assassins have their own guild and it's legal and everything.
Terrac’s/Menethil
could even establish a thieves guild in a sense
Actually a thieves guild could be the draw of the nation too
if we have a mafia type organization running the country
if we have a mafia type organization running the country
Tseia
Rival bandit gangs to parallel rival trade lords?
Shows how deep the cultural division is. I like it.
Rival bandit gangs to parallel rival trade lords?
Shows how deep the cultural division is. I like it.
Terrac’s/Menethil
the bandit gangs could be akin to trade lords
the bandit gangs could be akin to trade lords
Kay
Some may try to go legit even
Terrac’s/Menethil
like, new blood leaders who establish themselves with wealth
Some may try to go legit even
Terrac’s/Menethil
like, new blood leaders who establish themselves with wealth
Eve
The next point I have is Andor and their peaceful expansion
The next point I have is Andor and their peaceful expansion
Andor claims not only the land North of Murandy, but now also much of the Hills of Kintara to the East. How do Murandians feel about Big Sister encroaching on their borders? roughly in the 40s FA
Terrac’s/Menethil
Well iirc the books said something like "there is no permanent border between Andor and Murandy"(edited)
So maybe that's something that should be worked out
Well iirc the books said something like "there is no permanent border between Andor and Murandy"(edited)
So maybe that's something that should be worked out
Kay
So, when the Dragon’s Peace happens and a solid Andor/Murandy border is negotiated. During Moranna’s time on the throne, she claims unclaimed territory in the Hills of Kintara, and while that’s peachy with the rulers of Murandy and the Compact, it leads to resentment and patriotic fervor down the line
Would be my take.
So, when the Dragon’s Peace happens and a solid Andor/Murandy border is negotiated. During Moranna’s time on the throne, she claims unclaimed territory in the Hills of Kintara, and while that’s peachy with the rulers of Murandy and the Compact, it leads to resentment and patriotic fervor down the line
Would be my take.
Eve
That works for me Kay. Gives our new crime syndicate something to brandish about
That works for me Kay. Gives our new crime syndicate something to brandish about
We've established in earlier parties that the Yellow and Blue Ajahs concentrate their humanitarian efforts in Murandy and neighboring Altara, hoping to fill some of the gaps left without strong national leadership. Do we want to amend that at all with what we know now?
Shai’tan
I kind of want it even more for all the awkwardness
Kay
I don’t think so, and it meshes well with Altara’s own group. They probably avoid Lugard
I kind of want it even more for all the awkwardness
Kay
I don’t think so, and it meshes well with Altara’s own group. They probably avoid Lugard
Eve
I feel like the Bandit Kings would let it roll, keep their thugs in good shape
Everyone but merchants avoid Lugard unless they need a few nights bender
I feel like the Bandit Kings would let it roll, keep their thugs in good shape
Everyone but merchants avoid Lugard unless they need a few nights bender
Tseia
I imagine Lugard would potentially be a thief-taker's paradise though...thief-takers, despite their name, typically work for anyone who can pay. So I could see some of them willing to work for thief lords. Maybe Lugard thief-takers are frowned upon by other "real" thief-takers?
I imagine Lugard would potentially be a thief-taker's paradise though...thief-takers, despite their name, typically work for anyone who can pay. So I could see some of them willing to work for thief lords. Maybe Lugard thief-takers are frowned upon by other "real" thief-takers?
Eve:
"Murandy is known for it's appeal to the, shall we say, less than lawful types. Has that continued? Been amplified? Been thoroughly squashed by a newly powerful and strong-handed monarchy? Could it be a safe haven of sorts for those Friends of the Dark who may have found trouble in their native lands doing their master's bidding? Or, per Jules' suggestion, do they only make it look like Darkfriends run rampant?"
Kay
Rumors about darkfriends might be interesting; uncathable in the chaos despite frequent attempts. But I feel like even criminals would be anti-darkfriend
Rumors about darkfriends might be interesting; uncathable in the chaos despite frequent attempts. But I feel like even criminals would be anti-darkfriend
Terrac’s/Menethil
Having Dark Friends high in the circles of power would make sense
but open bands running around killing people? There's no way in any reality the compact would allow that
Having Dark Friends high in the circles of power would make sense
but open bands running around killing people? There's no way in any reality the compact would allow that
Tseia
The point is though that everyone suspects Murandy to be a nest of Darkfriends, but no one ever catches them.(edited)
It's all just rumors, a smokescreen
The point is though that everyone suspects Murandy to be a nest of Darkfriends, but no one ever catches them.(edited)
It's all just rumors, a smokescreen
Kay
So, it sounds like there’s a lot of smoke here, not a lot of fire
Just going with the rather lawless territory
So, it sounds like there’s a lot of smoke here, not a lot of fire
Just going with the rather lawless territory
Except maybe higher up, using the chaos as a camouflage
Altara
We’ve been covering nations that were devastated by the Seanchan War for a bit, and, welllllll....Altara is that, with the added bonus of losing a chunk of territory, including their capital, to the initial Tai’Seanchan invasion. It’s certainly been tricky!
I just wanted to sketch what staff have already pieced together about the state of Altara, then go from there.
Altara, even before the Tai’Seanchan, was a nation of loosely affiliated towns and lords at best. Ebou Dar houses the Throne of the Winds and the ostensible monarchy, but their authority didn’t often carry much further than Ebou Dar itself, and the throne changed hands fairly regularly.
So, post Last Battle, much of that remains the same. Altara, or what’s left of it, is a loose quilt of townships and cities and noble estates, with a severe power vacuum and consequently a lot of feuding, spying, and politicking. They’re not even officially a nation in the eyes of the Dragon Compact, as their head of state was officially a High Blood vassal of the Tai’Seanchan at when the Dragon’s Peace was negotiated, and they haven’t had a widely accepted replacement since. As a result, Altara has been something of a powder keg.
And I believe an adoptable high lady of some sort is currently in the works for them as well. A would be Queen.
So, with all of that in mind! Let’s talk about Altara.
First, how do Altarans as a whole actually feel about this whole thing? Have their identities split, to the point where most wouldn’t even describe themselves as Altaran? Has the loss of status and territory instead inspired a more nationalistic bent? Something in between?
Shai’tan
I like the idea of them being in a very dark place about their nation and losing their identity and then our wannabe queen is trying to inspire that nationalism again? well maybe again isn't right
I like the idea of them being in a very dark place about their nation and losing their identity and then our wannabe queen is trying to inspire that nationalism again? well maybe again isn't right
Tseia
Hmm. I really like the idea of a new ruler struggling to rebuild a devastated nation.
Poverty would likely be rampant as well though, yes?
Hmm. I really like the idea of a new ruler struggling to rebuild a devastated nation.
Poverty would likely be rampant as well though, yes?
Kay
Second, we have them as one of the primary recipients or Blue and probably Yellow Ajah aid. How are they doing? Have they managed to improve economically at all over the years? If so, given the fractured state of the nation, has the benefit instead concentrated itself in a few hands? What are our thoughts on the recovery in Altara?
Second, we have them as one of the primary recipients or Blue and probably Yellow Ajah aid. How are they doing? Have they managed to improve economically at all over the years? If so, given the fractured state of the nation, has the benefit instead concentrated itself in a few hands? What are our thoughts on the recovery in Altara?
Tseia
Hmm. I'd say still a work in progress? Things are better now than they were after the Compact, but still not "thriving" by any means.
Eve
I like the idea that between the WT aid and our could-be Queen, they'd be on the mend and solidifying as a nation
Everything is new and fragile yet, but there's promise
Eve
I like the idea that between the WT aid and our could-be Queen, they'd be on the mend and solidifying as a nation
Everything is new and fragile yet, but there's promise
Kay
I could see a few bad actors involved too, though, trying to concentrate where the wealth gets spread. Might be good antagonists for our would-be Queen (or if we want it darker, she could be one of them) That may be a decision for whoever adopts her? My last prompt!
Finally, how does the Dragon Compact feel about having, essentially, a rogue collection of tiny nations in the middle of their territory? Has their been any move to either annex them or otherwise regulate them?
I could see a few bad actors involved too, though, trying to concentrate where the wealth gets spread. Might be good antagonists for our would-be Queen (or if we want it darker, she could be one of them) That may be a decision for whoever adopts her? My last prompt!
Finally, how does the Dragon Compact feel about having, essentially, a rogue collection of tiny nations in the middle of their territory? Has their been any move to either annex them or otherwise regulate them?
Shai’tan
That sounds like something Tai'Seanchan might try to do
Tseia
Depends on the nation, but arguably the Compact itself would mean at least some would hesitate.
That sounds like something Tai'Seanchan might try to do
Tseia
Depends on the nation, but arguably the Compact itself would mean at least some would hesitate.
Kay
I could see that. House Mitsobar going...”Hey, that’s ours.” But I agree trying to get that through the compact would be tricky. House Mitsobar ruled Ebou Dar prior to the Tai’Seanchan, and still does as Tuon swore to keep it for them in exchange for their loyalty. Today they’re High Blood governors.
I could see that. House Mitsobar going...”Hey, that’s ours.” But I agree trying to get that through the compact would be tricky. House Mitsobar ruled Ebou Dar prior to the Tai’Seanchan, and still does as Tuon swore to keep it for them in exchange for their loyalty. Today they’re High Blood governors.
Tseia
Ooooh. I could see yhe High Blood ruling Ebou Dar arguing that the rest of Altara was technically the domain of that city...so it should become it again.
Especially if they don't have a ruling power of their own.
So...potential plot conflict for whoever takes those roles.
Ooooh. I could see yhe High Blood ruling Ebou Dar arguing that the rest of Altara was technically the domain of that city...so it should become it again.
Especially if they don't have a ruling power of their own.
So...potential plot conflict for whoever takes those roles.
Shai’tan 😈Yesterday at 9:01 PM
I found this: After Beslan is raised to the High Blood, however, Tuon promises to secure Altara for him, granting him absolute rule over the country.
I found this: After Beslan is raised to the High Blood, however, Tuon promises to secure Altara for him, granting him absolute rule over the country.
Eve
But when she signed the peace it was for specifically “the lands they held at the time of the signing.” Sooooo much gray area
But when she signed the peace it was for specifically “the lands they held at the time of the signing.” Sooooo much gray area
Shai’tan
yeah I am still saying she wouldn't get it, but that makes it seem like there is no way she wouldn't try
yeah I am still saying she wouldn't get it, but that makes it seem like there is no way she wouldn't try
Tseia
Enough gray area for the current head of House Mitsobar to push for it, if his/her player were so inclined...(edited)
Shai’tan
I feel like the push could have started at the very beginning, sometimes stronger than other times, never getting it, and always being contentious of that, and right now is a bigger push time. Like y'all can't get your poop in a group for a century, just come home where you belong.
Enough gray area for the current head of House Mitsobar to push for it, if his/her player were so inclined...(edited)
Shai’tan
I feel like the push could have started at the very beginning, sometimes stronger than other times, never getting it, and always being contentious of that, and right now is a bigger push time. Like y'all can't get your poop in a group for a century, just come home where you belong.
Tseia
Basically a "testing of boundaries" sort of thing then?
Basically a "testing of boundaries" sort of thing then?
Kay
That makes a lot of sense to me, and sets up a big confrontation with our would be queen. Heck maybe even why she’s pushing so hard, to head off a Tai’Seanchan annexation
That makes a lot of sense to me, and sets up a big confrontation with our would be queen. Heck maybe even why she’s pushing so hard, to head off a Tai’Seanchan annexation
Tseia
Now I'm just picturing House Mitsobar:
"What's on the docket for today? Oh yes, needle the rest of Altara on how bad they are at self-rule."
Now I'm just picturing House Mitsobar:
"What's on the docket for today? Oh yes, needle the rest of Altara on how bad they are at self-rule."
Shae is Altaran, on his father's side, so the nation being in shambles works nicely with his backstory.
But also...I wonder how many other Altarans were "recruited" by the Nai'al Cor.
Subplot there? A rash of mysterious disappearances?
But also...I wonder how many other Altarans were "recruited" by the Nai'al Cor.
Subplot there? A rash of mysterious disappearances?