[@Lucky Knight] We're abiding by Jordan's rules. Unless your character has a connection to his new Aes Sedai as strong as the bond between Lan and Nynaeve- whose relationship I will defend to my grave- he wouldn't survive. That's not my rule, it's his.

I'm actually not going to be very demanding concerning how each nation functions, but here are the details that must be remembered:

[list][*][b]Aelgar[/b]- On the Shadow Coast, the southwestern nation, stretching from the Aryth Ocean to the River Eldar, and from the southern end of the Mountains of Mist to the Sea of Storms; Renowned for its wealth and power, host to several beautiful Ogier-built cities. Survived the Trolloc Wars, but collapsed a few years later.
[*][b]Almoren[/b]- In the east, stretching from north of Kinslayer's Dagger to Haddon Mirk, and from the Erinin to the Spine of the World, right next to Tar Valon (will later become Cairhien); Filled with mountains and forests. Demolished during the Trolloc Wars.
[*][b]Eharon[/b]- In the south, between the Eldar and Manetherendrelle; Mostly forests, lush life thriving along the rivers and coastline. Consistently attacked during the Wars, but collapsed only after the Wars ended. 
[*][b]Essenia[/b]- In the southeast, between Manetherendrelle and the Spine of the World, from the Sea of Storms to the northern edge of Haddon Mirk; famous for its philosophers, and stores of knowledge; a land of plains and swamps. Barely survives the Wars, collapses in the aftermath.
[*][b]Safer[/b]- Located on the western coast, stretching from the Aryth Ocean to the Mountains of Mist, and from the River Akuum to the Andahar. Once again, survives, then collapses. [/list]

None of these nations are small, and none would hire mercenaries- loyalty was a huge deal during the time of the Trolloc Wars. If you want, it would be great if you could be a Queen or King of one of these nations, acting as commander over their military forces when necessary. I would recommend becoming the monarch of Aelgar, given its reputation of wealth and power. 

The thing a lot of people forget about 'mercenaries' is that they are literally hired guns. No mercenary will fight if he's not being paid the highest offer. They have no loyalties to anything other than money. So if you play a merc, then you must be hired out to someone else- a PC- and they will control what they want you to do. It's really not that fun playing an actual mercenary. 

Also, this reminds me- if anyone wants to play an Ogier, be my guest.