Murandy

Murandy (pronounced: MEW-ran-dee) is a small nation in the central part of the Westlands. It has a history of border disputes with its larger neighbor to the north, Andor.
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.
==Geography==
thumb|200px|left|Location within the Westlands
Murandy is a small nation located in hilly countryside with much larger neighbors on three sides; Andor to the north, Altara to the west, and Illian to the south. The Plains of Maredo lie to the east.
==Ruling body==
Murandy is a monarchy ruled by a king or queen. It is a hereditary monarchy that passes to the monarch's eldest child upon their death. The nation rarely changes its ruling House, as the other Houses do not care enough to take a position that is only a figurehead at best.The Wheel of Time Companion, Murandy. The current ruler is King Roedran Almaric do Arreloa a'Naloy but he only has weak control of the country. Katrine do Catalan a'Coralle was the first Queen of Murandy.
The ruler of Murandy seldom controls events outside of the capital city of Lugard, and sometimes not even there. The only reason a monarch is tolerated in Murandy is as a deterrent to incursions by foreign nations, and such an invasion is just about the only thing that will compel rival Murandian lords to cooperate. 
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.
Murandy plays a minor role in world politics. The lack of an effective ruler makes it difficult for Murandy to defend itself, much less to make its presence felt in the rest of the land.
== Economy==
Murandy has some mining, and produces gold and silver, but the political situation never allows any large-scale or well-organized efforts. It has a good trade in wool, and is famed for its lace. Beef, mutton, and leather are also produced.
== Military ==
The army of Murandy historically consists of the personal levies of the nobles, who squabble over command. Nobles even remove their troops in times of dire need because of these arguments. Noblewomen almost invariably use a Master of the Horse to command their soldiers, and very rarely take the field themselves. Noblemen are expected to lead whether or not they are competent to do so. There has never been a permanent formation in Murandy such as the Queen's Guards in Andor. The throne is weak, and while the monarch would want a formation to strengthen their own power, this would always be opposed by the other Houses.
== Names ==
Nobles in Murandy often have long names, such as King Roedran Almaric do Arreloa a'Naloy, Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, or Meri do Ahlan a'Conlin. The important part of the last name is the part after the a' prefix which indicates their noble House. We know this as some Murandians, such as Rhys a'Balaman and Nisain a'Cowel, don't have the middle part given. It is not confirmed if the House is inherited through the father's or mother's line. The part after the "do" is likely inherited from the other parent, in a way similar to Spanish generational transmission.
However, commoners in Murandy do not follow these naming conventions, with individuals such as Sharina Melloy, Seaine Herimon and Padan Fain having much simpler names.
==Towns/cities==
*Hinderstap
*Inishlinn
*Minde
*Lugard (capital)
*Trustair
==External links==
* on 
es:Murandy
Category:Nations
 Murandy