Andersen Family
The Andersen Family is an influential criminal syndicate led by Aria Andersen—the so-called “Little Mermaid.” It operates out of The Lagoon, a sheltered bay on the Island of Pirates, and has held de facto control over Neverland since the death of Finn the Usurper in 175.
After the establishment of United Kingdom of Wonderland in 263, there was hope that Queen Frieda Jacobs would find a way to reign in the authority of the Andersens. Alas, diplomacy was not in the cards. Aria Andersen swore she would never bow to a descendant of Aesling and Ingvar—and she never has.
Structure
The organization is run from the top by Andersen herself. She in turn delegates control over various territories to her “descendants,” merfolk she brought into the fold herself or that were brought into the fold by her “children” or “grandchildren.” Only ichthyothropes born of the mermaid’s kiss are eligible to serve in leadership and in key positions. This is because their ability to control their transformation allows them to operate on land or in the sea.
Agenda & History
The Andersen Family aims to protect all those who live under the sea or along its shores, and it expects to be well compensated for its services. Founded during the conflict between the exiled Prince Ingvar Östenson and his father the king, the organization believes that traditional forms of government are ill-suited for the the islands of Neverland—an opinion seemingly validated by the dissolution of the monarchy in 175.
From 175 onward, during the so-called “Anarchy,” the people of Neverland turned to Andersen and her associates for protection from Realmish marauders, Highlands raiders, and from homegrown buccaneers such as James Fitzroy and his ilk. And so long as the people paid tribute, the Family was happy to oblige.
By the late 250s however, many Neverlanders were ready for a change. As word spread of a young woman who might fulfill the prophecy in “The One About the Woods,” the people grew hopeful that peace and prosperity might finally come to their corner of Wonderland. Sadly, that was not to be the case, and the conflict between the authorities in Saltgate and the “criminals” of The Lagoon continues to this day.
Fun inversion of the mermaid! I remember discussing this with you back in the day! Maybe not this specific group, but the island and all the associated shenanigans!
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