Astoria

A small kingdom, formerly a duchy, and a safe haven for all manner of strange things.

### Religion

Southern Pantheon

**Astoria** is a recent kingdom, formerly a small duchy in the kingdom of Feyshore, which was birthed after its fall. It stands as the internal border between North and South Feyshore and controls most trade between the two kingdoms. The capital city of Zahrada sits inward along the coast and is known for its lush, season-defying gardens. Astoria experiences warm summers and mild winters in comparison to its Northern counterparts. Its court was built both by former elites and freed slaves, and as such its socioeconomic trends tend towards a happy medium, maintaining the people's quality of life over the wealth of the court. Astoria's chief exports are fresh crops and sweet wines, though mostly it works as middle man for trade in the region.

## Geography

### **Notable Places**

#### Zahrada

The capital of Astoria and the home to House Durkhan. It is renowned for its lush, season defying gardens. Far and away the largest city in Astoria, Zahadra lies on the western coast of Astoria, and to the east, it sits upon the edge of Audeamus forest, which is rumored to hold all manner of magic, monsters, and fae. Unlike the ominous and foreboding Audeamus, which partially surrounds it, Zahadra is a vibrant, welcoming, and overgrown haven of culture and magic, straight out of a fairytale. The fauna of the city is as much a part of the city as the buildings are. Gardens of flowers, herbs, and ferns line the sides of the winding paved roads and buildings as far as the eye can see. Magic is openly welcomed within Zahadra, as is the case with the rest of Astoria, though this often has the effect of making outsiders nervous. The quality of life of the people of Zahadra is exceptional, with there being an emphasis on the welfare of the people by the court who oversees them.

#### Ostrava

Ostrava lies close to the eastern border of Astoria and south Feyshore. While a sizable town, it does not hold a candle to the size of Astoria’s capital, Zahadra. Ruled over by the Capell noble family, Ostrava is a very culture-rich city. The Performing arts are immensely popular in the city, with the most popular play-writes and actors being treated as royalty by the commoners and nobles alike. In a rare case of equality, both commoners and nobles are welcome to watch the performances, though higher bloodcastes get the first pick on seating. Many times a year, the Ostravian people hold festivals to honor actors, artists, and the like. Handmade works such as jewelry, pottery, and fancy clothing can be seen sold at nearly every corner. Besides this, Ostrava does not possess many claims to fame. It does not have any major exports and is not along the biggest trade routes. Though, like most of Astoria, it does enjoy relative prosperity among its people. When not attending a performance, the Ostravian people live rather quiet, traditional lives.

#### Jezara

Once a land of mysticism and fairy tales, this formerly safe sanctuary for magic is slowly tearing itself apart thanks to bad faith actions of a small number of users and non-users alike. Ruled by House Vandal.

Character creation note: Astoria is a fairly recent creation since Feyshore only fell 13 years ago in-story. Anya took Astoria about 6 years ago. If your characters have power, it was recently acquired.

For further information, pictures, and a full list of characters, visit this extended site.

## History

At the time of the Fall of Feyshore the elites moved to what would become North Feyshore, leaving South Feyshore to the rats and bandits; it festered for a long time. A campaign was launched to take back South Feyshore, and turn it into a reformed territory.

Maybe factions moved to take it, with Randall Storm taking the lead. Anyanka Durkhan moved to help the man with his push into Stormalong, and in exchange asked for the borderlands between the Feyshores to be turned into a duchy that would serve King Storm. They agreed to the terms, and when Storm took South Feyshore, Astoria was granted to Duchess (later Grand Duchess, and currently Queen) Anyanka. This new vassal state has seen been maintained by Anyanka's personal followers from Amoroth, freed slave ships, and others who have joined her.