Andorja

Andorja, located on Ibestad Island
Continent	Asmodae
Featured in Stories	(to come)
Characters from this Region	Alisdar, Særða, Carriak
In-game or RPer-created	RPer-created

Andorja is the preponderate feudal realm on the island of Ibestad, a large mountainous landmass to the northeast of the Asmodian main continent. It is noteworthy only in that it regularly meets or exceeds the production quotas set by Pandemonium and that it plays host to the Andorjan Monastery, a small order that bears some slight influence.

Climate and Economy

Like most of its island, Andorja is dominated by a frozen, tundra-like environment that is useless to all but the most determined planters and shepherds. As a result, the vast majority of the realm’s husbandry takes place in the passably fertile meadows in the shadow of Mount Langlitinden, and along the coasts. Its few forests provide for a meagre logging industry and serve as hunting grounds for the realm’s huntsman and trappers. From the sea, Andorja’s fishermen can generally produce sizable catches.

Below its frozen surface, Andorja is rich in iron ore and other similar minerals. The mining and manipulation of these minerals make up the bulk of the realm’s industrial activities, despite the obvious hazards both present in such an unforgiving climate. With risk, however, comes reward, and subsequently Andorjans have become quite proficient in these arts. In fact, Andorjan metals and blacksmithing would probably be world renowned if not for the inherent talent the Daeva of Pandemonium possess.

Naturally, summer is Andorja’s most productive season. In addition to the facts that its meadows are at their most fertile, that the tundra can almost be considered hospitable, and that the wildlife is active and abundant, it’s usually warm enough that the waters of its single port town are navigable and supplies can be shipped to more civilized parts of Asmodae. Winters, conversely, are quite harsh, even when compared those felt on the mainland, but because the island’s mountains shield the realm and its neighbours from the arctic storms that blast the windward coast, they are normally, and mercifully, rather short. Production in this season is limited, as travel between settlements is undertaken only by fools and those that place no value on their own lives, but shipping remains possible via temporary docks built at the edge of the massive field of land-fast ice that grows to cover much of the surrounding ocean’s surface.

Production is possible during the fall and spring, but shipping and fishing are not. Though it is not cold enough for the surface of the ocean to solidify, the drift ice that is still able to form would tear through the hull of any vessel. The fruits of the Andorjans’ labours are thusly stockpiled during these two seasons in the feudal lord’s warehouses and granaries.

Culture

(Under Construction

History

(Under Construction

Important Locations

The Andorjan Monastery

Within the Andorjan Monastery, a simple and unassuming building rests on the outer walls of the compound, which has long been the center of hope and religious fervor amongst the surrounding countryside.

While it's Clerics' faith is respectable, the Chapel itself is what would draw the more pious of pilgrims, Daeva, and Human alike to it's humble wooden pews. For it was said that the holy fury of Asphel, Lord of Darkness, and leader of the mighty Shedim, hung about the monastery, judging Warrior and Peasant alike.

The clergy claimed that those whom almighty Asphel judged to be exemplar of Asmodian Willpower and Strength would receive what they wished for most. Be it fertility, good fortune, or merely Lord of Darkness's blessing as they bring themselves into battle. Few who ventured to the Monastery received his blessing, but none could deny his presence within it's stone walls.

Many warriors, especially the Nobleman often visited on the eve of the next raiding venture. As time passed, some began to adorn themselves with the symbols of Asphel, wearing thick black tabards, surcoats, and great cloaks. Soon these warriors took to placing two gnarled horns upon their helmets, the poorer warriors more often wearing them around their necks, while others wore great ornate horned helms.

As time passed, a small number of these warriors were given an honorary status within the Monastery, and granted the privilege of protecting the Scabbard of Asphel when it marched out to the field of battle. When not protecting the relic, these holy warriors, named the Sableguard, spread the influence and virtues of Asphel with their actions and victories. At their apex, they numbered a little over a dozen.

Aspirants to the Sableguard clung to these virtues, and modeled themselves after these holy few, following them into battle, and hoping to one day find themselves worthy of become one of their number.

The Scabbard of Asphel, which the guard swore their lives to protect was a relic granted to the monastery by the Grand Clergy of Pandaemonium, as a reward for their works towards furthering the influence of Asphel. To the humans of Andorja and the Monastery, it is considered a mighty gift, though amongst the Daeva it is considered a minor piece of reliquary.

The current location of the Scabbard is within the Monastery itself, where it is brought out on holy days for those who brave the now chaotic lands of Andorja. For a short time, the relic was feared to be lost during the fall of Andorja, where it was present during it's defense. Fortunately, the relic was kept safe from defilement at the hands of the invaders, the Sableguard giving their lives to the man to keep it safe.
Since then, the Relic has been kept on an incredibly tight leash, especially as the devastated Sableguard are rebuilt.