Well going into the historical US, there is the "liberty for a few but not for all" hypocrisy theme and the tie-in slavery, colonialism, eradication and expulsion of the Native Americans, disenfranchisement, etc. In Andoran, the Lumber Consortium has its meathooks in a lot of places and has a lot of baleful but hidden influence on politics and power. On a more traditionally Ravenloft note, Darkmoon Vale (a region of Andoran with its own supplement, the Guide to Darkmoon Vale, for 3.5) and its associated modules are almost prime Ravenloft inspiration in and of themselves.Jack the Reaper wrote:I also want to make a domain inspired by 18th century United States and Pathfinder's Andoran - a democratic republic established on the principles of liberty and equality, in the spirit of good old America. Where do you think the horror in such a domain can come from? Who should be the Darklord? And how can the Dark Powers twist such virtues into something dreadful, showing that liberty can become no less dark than tyranny? (And no, I keep the P.C terrorism for another domain, so taking liberty to the extreme is not what I seek here)
Prime candidates for darklords might include some kind of colonial or company boss, such as Thuldrin Kreed of Falcon's Hollow (although he may be too petty in scope) or perhaps a politician, judge, or officer of the peace that sold out his idealism for pragmatism toward a greater goal or worked for liberty for some but betrayed many others.
