Mare

Mare was a nation on the eastern coast of the Island of Fist, sandwiched between the Black Water Strait and the Bloodmare Ocean. It shared borders with the kingdoms of Rool and Skolati.
The skin of the sailors from Mare was usually a deep polished brown, darkened by sun and windAssail, Chapter 1, UK PB, p. 26.
==Culture==
The Marese were renowned for their maritime culture. The Warren of Ruse was a state religion and every vessel was sanctified to it. According to Marese ship mage Devaleth, "Every vessel carries a priest-mage sworn to Ruse. The rowers and crew are all initiates. Every board and rope is bound by ward and ritual to the will of the captain...our vessels cannot be sunk."Stonewielder, Chapter 5, US HC p.219-220 Future Ruse mages attended the Mare academy and received hands on training, learning the trade through storms, battles, and becalmed seas.Stonewielder, Chapter 6, US HC p.315Stonewielder, Chapter 5, UK TPB p.227 Mare mages were dismissive of the simple techniques and practices of Sea Witches.Stonewielder, Chapter 12, US HC p.602
Mare war galleys were low sleek vessels powered by sail and oar. Their primary offensive tactic was to shatter an enemy vessel with the bronze-capped ram in their bow, often working in coordinated teams to force the target into a vulnerable position. Mare ships also carried complements of marines who could fire arrows at enemy crews, slow vessels with launched grapnels, or board opponents as needed. Their ship mages attacked the enemy with Ruse magic.Stonewielder, Chapter 5, US HC p.231-237
According to Kyle all Mare cities were nothing more than a land-based depot and servicing center for their fleetAssail, Chapter 1, UK PB p.26-27.
Like most of the inhabitants of the Lands of Fist, the people from mare were notoriously hostile to foreigners, espacially MalazansAssail, Chapter 1, UK PB p. 25.
The Marese never cultivated an organized cavalry force.Stonewielder, Chapter 6, US HC p.297 
== Cities ==
* Black City
* Dorl
* Kevil
* Kren
* Mald
* Rivdo
==Notable Marese==
*Devaleth
==In Stonewielder==
Marese ships were far superior to those of the Malazan Empire and bedeviled Malazan efforts at conquering Fist. During the Korelri Campaign, Fist Rillish Jal Keth recalled one instance where the Marese killed all but a fifth of the reinforcements he attempted to bring from Quon Tali.Stonewielder, Chapter 4, US HC p.189 Corporal Pyke claimed that no Malazan ship had broken the Marese blockade for over twenty years before the Malazan Expeditionary Force tried in 1167BS.Stonewielder, Chapter 3, US HC p.177 The Empire had twice tried and failed to send reinforcements.Stonewielder, Chapter 2, US HC p.128
Normal Marese tactics proved no match for the Expedition's Blue Moranth allies. Although they wreaked much havoc with their rams, the Marese had no experience with the Moranth's alchemical and explosive weapons. The majority of the Expedition's forces reached Fist, and the Marese were forced to sue for peace.Stonewielder, Chapter 9, US HC p.482
== In Assail ==
The Mare navy was recruiting to make up for the losses during the disastrous defeat by the hands of the Malazan fleet and the Blue Moranth. Foreigners didn’t have a chance to join the navy, due to the xenophobic culture of Mare.
==Notes and references==
es:Mare
 
Category:Fist Island