Ethnic groups: Flaems 50%, Aalbanese 40%, Lupins (Flaemish Shepherds) 10%.

Government: Burgemeester, named by the Prince of Bergdhoven, in charge for seven years.

Ruler: Burgemeester Daerich van Voen (born 961) (OD&D: Mage 6^th, Al L) (AD&D: Wizard 6^th, Al LN), mixed Aalbanese-Flaemish blood.

Military: 100 men, Vlammens Militia.

Founded by early Flaemish settlers, it was named Aalbanswaden and was the seat of Duke Aalban.The most dramatic event in its history occurred after Hattians, allied with Halzunthram, moved from Red River Valley to Aalban Valley: a battle took place, Hattians conquered the village, and Flaems retreated East. When Hattians joined the rebels (and the Flaems), their leader, Wilhelm von Drachenfels, invited the Flaems to mix with his people, Flaems agreed and everything went well until the forty years war was over. Then ancient hatred came out as Flaems demanded their dominion back and Hattians refused. A compromise was made and the dominion was populated by both ethnies. Things deteriorated when Eberhard Wechsen became the new Baron, he hated magic-users so Flaems were badly treated, and they retreated East. After the Light of Rad declaration Eberhard joined the rebels, the town was annexed to the Principality of Bergdhoven, and, in order to avoid Flaemish reprisal, Hattians moved to the other side of the river in the Principality of Aalban. The two ethnies remained divided until 882 when Willem IV Vlaardoen became the new Prince. An admirer of Friedrich von Drachenfels, the Prince made a deal for the construction of a bridge connecting the two villages. Friedrich died before of seeing the bridge completed and in his honour the village was renamed Altendorf. Mourning the great leader the people (and merchants especially) realised the importance of co-operation, and from then on things went pretty well. However sometimes the town may appear as divided in two: some inns and shops are for Flaemish or for Aalbanese people , only, and streets and monuments are double named in Aalbanese and Flaemish.

Trails The River is navigable and a great bridge crosses it, connecting Altendorf with Ständburg. The bridge can be partially raised to allow passage on the river, but it has recently been sabotaged. A toll is exacted from all those entering the Principality of Bergdhoven, by river or on foot. Passage fees to Willemsbrug are as follows:

A good trail leads to Laagsondendorp and Willemsbrug, and two fair trails lead North to Noordrand and East to Linden.

Economics: Altendorf ‘s main activity is trade. The town doesn’t have any resources or products to stand out from other towns, but, together with Ständburg, it’s the center where the whole Aalban/Bergdhoven imports/exports take place. Tolls, fees, and the like are studied to slightly differ with Ständburg ones.

Notable sites: De Blozend Hertog Beeld (the Red Duke’s statue) is a massive statue at the center of the town. Erected on honour of Johan II Vlaardoen, killed in Nouvelle Averoigne by the rebels lead by Dieter Lowenroth in 862 AC, it shows the Prince in the act of raising and it symbolises (at least it should) that unity always gives a mean to win against the odds. It’s told that the statue will animate if the town is in immediate danger.

Personalities: Burgemeester Daerich van Voen (born 961) (OD&D: Mage 6^th, Al L) (AD&D: Wizard 6^th, Al LN).

Coat of Arms: An azure (left) and gules pale, with an argent star on the left and three argent flasks on the right.

Thibault Sarlat, Giovanni Porpora, Agathokles.

January 2001, All rights reserved.