Astrida

Aerial view of Eldin, in Astrid. It is considered part of the Astridaian region

Astrida is a geographical and cultural region in western Shenandoah, located entirely within the state of Appalachia and the Spruceton Mountains. As of the 2015 national census, the population of Astrida was <not a lot of> million people, and contains several major cities, most notably Eldin, Leadburg and Whittier. Although the region is abundant in natural resources, Astrida is one of the economically poorest regions in the Commonwealth. While logging and mining have been the main economic activities of the region since the late 1800's, bringing jobs and modern amenities into the region, the inhabitants of the region failed to capitalize on the investments and opportunists presented by these industries, and by the 1960's much of the economic prosperity had been squandered. In many rural communities, some families make less than 15,000 greenbacks a year. Bartering and trading goods for services is common. Government assistance and services are minimal for the impoverished in the region, however, exploration of the regions abundant natural resources continues to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. as well as wise economic investment on the part of local businesses and inhabitants

The region has long been a source of myths and stereotypes regarding regarding the isolation, temperament, and behavior of its inhabitants. Historical events including clan feuding, undocumented alcohol distillation, and a history of violence between workers and company operators, as well as the ongoing economic issues, has lead to the creation of a variety of stereotypes and general conceptions being applied to the region and its people.

History

Late 19th and early 20th century economic boom

Entrance to the Bertrum Mine in Slane, Leadburg

The discovery of coal in the region in the mid 1890's lead to an economic boom for the region as companies vied to purchase mineral rights from settlements and establishing mining operations. Often, these mineral rights were purchased for far less than their actual worth, and both trickery and threats were used to convince owners to sell. These coal resources were considered vitally important to the nation as their use as a heating fuel was more efficient than other methods, including wood burning and whale oil heating fuels. Logging remained an important economic venture, but was beginning to lose ground to coal mining by the mid 1910's.

Prior to the connection of Eldin to he existing railroad network in 1909, the bulk of harvesting materials were transported out of the region by barge. While barge transport continued to be important, the higher speed and efficiency of rail transport allowed for more resources to flow out of, and people to flow in to, the region.

The national demand for coal and lumber continued to increase, and to keep up with demand, mine and timber operators enacted ruthless workplace policies to gain the highest productivity from their workers. Many mines operated 7 days a week, 365 days a year, running three to four shifts. While workers received an average of 60 or more hours a week, there was little pay for their efforts owing to a lack of minimum wage and workplace safety laws within the nation. Further, many companies began to stop paying in federal currency and instead issued scrip; company money only recognized by the organization they worked for. This scrip could be exchanged for goods and services in company run facilitates, leading to the creation of entire settlements which were de facto owned by the organization that employed its inhabitants.

Miners who attempted to leave work, strike, or halt production as a form of protest were often dealt with harshly. Unions or other workers assembles were not allowed, and the Imperial government had not established any laws regarding their formation one way or the other. Mine owners often hired private security forces, often times mercenaries, to break up strikes and keep worker towns in line.

Government intervention in the late 1930's and 40's led to a decrease in violence, as did the passage of some minimal laws authorizing the formations of workers unions, the establishment of minimum wages and the codifying of workplace safety regulations.

Culture

Music

The genre of Needlegrass originated from the Astrida region. Some elements of needlegrass are present in the rock music traditions of greater Shenandoah. Common instruments include the fiddle, banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, Dobro, and upright bass. Traditionally, one or more instruments takes its turn playing the melody and improvising around it, while the others players perform accompaniment; this is especially typified in tunes called breakdowns. Breakdowns are often characterized by rapid tempos and unusual instrumental dexterity and sometimes by complex chord changes.

A more modern sub genre, needle rock, which draws more influence from traditional rock genres, is also present and gaining in popularity. Crossovers between needlegrass groups and traditional rock groups, as well as needlegrass covers of traditional rock songs, are also common.

Religion

Snake handling at a Serpent Kin Temple.

While the dominate religion of the Astrida region is Christianity, there are several offshoots or sects that have sprung up in Astrida that are not considered to be part of the mainstream faith. One of these, commonly, though unofficially, refereed to as Serpent Kin, believe that their faith will keep them from harm, and demonstrate this during services by handling venomous serpents during religious ceremonies. These serpents, mostly Timber Rattlesnake, are local to the region. While it is not illegal to belong to the Serpent Kin sect, it is considered a misdemeanor offense to transport and handle dangerous reptiles without a permit, and several counties in Astrida have expressly forbid the handling of dangerous reptiles in religious services. The punishment for violating these statues ranges from fines to jail time. Several cases pertaining to these laws have been heard by the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth. Protestants assert that the laws are a violation of the Commonwealth Charter. Despite its illegal status, local law enforcement tend to overlook violations unless a complaint is filed or an obvious threat to minors exist

Economy

The economy of Astrida is primarily based on mining and logging, and service industries which support these operations. In recent times, the area has seen an increase in tourism as well.

Notable people from Astrida

• Laci O’Leary - Notable contemporary rural rock musician born in Philippi, located with in the Astird region of Appalachia.