I joined Astrum a few months ago based almost solely on the realm ratings in the realm selection page for new characters. It supposed had high glory and a nice (or so I thought) region/noble ratio. Having been there for this time, I have no idea how they could possibly have held so many regions before. A ruler that seems more inactive than not, a general that lost a series of battle and subsequently autopaused, and poor movement rates in the army. It seems rather difficult to accomplish anything considering Luria and Helyg are beating down the doors.
It's because they were surrounded by friendly states for a long time. I believe they used to be even bigger before western dwi shut down, but their player base was probably bigger and more active at that time.
