In what status would you intend new characters to be created?
In fact, I think we should overhaul our character creation process.
Instead of the current duchy-centric one, why don't we show new characters a list of open estates and allow them to pick one, spawning them right there, in that realm and all? That would give free estates more of a "please come in" meaning, and it would also save newcomers from the trouble of coming into a realm, asking for an estate, having to travel there, etc. etc. etc.
If someone writes this up as a feature request, I'll immediately approve it.
