Marklight

## Dominion of Marklight

The flag of the Dominion of Marklight. The blue represents the Church of the Inner Sea, the white represents freedom, and the crow represents Corvis Vectis. The swords and fish are old symbols of the Earldom of Marklight.

### Ruler

Earl Salizaar IV Elliot-Wooley'L'Anguis, Earl of Marklight and Regent of the Dominion of Marklight

### Adjective

Markish

The youngest nation of the Accord Lands, Marklight is nonetheless based around the ancient demesnes of the Earls of Marklight, a family of Vortish nobility descended from pre-Imperial warlords. The Earls of Marklight were thought to have died out before the reign of Basarab IX, but in 52 AT their reign was restored due to the diligent work of a party of adventurers known as Corvis Vectis. The new Earl, Edina I, made herself the protector of the large Church of the Inner Sea community in the city of Old Wending, which was under threat from being purged by powerful Vortish nobles who had previously sought to assert their claim to the city. As Vortigern crumbled, many more communities put themselves under the control of the Earl and her son and successor, Salizaar II. When Vortigern finally collapsed, the territories under the Earl's protection consisted of a very large piece of Vortish territory covering the entire Prestish border and reaching many day's travel north.

When the Treaty of Accord was signed, these domains were recognised as a new nation. Although using the ancient title of the Earldom of Marklight, these lands include many territories that never historically belonged to the Earls. Although the Earls continue to use their old title, they accepted rulership of the new nation - described as a Dominion rather than a Kingdom or Grand Duchy - under the non-aristocratic title of Regent. The true centre of power in Marklight soon passed from the court of the Earl or the other nobility to a large, fractious assembly of religious and local leaders, assembled in the old Regent's mansion in Old Wending, which calls itself the General Estates. The Estates is in constant session, but it elects a College of Governors to exercise government authority in day-to-day matters. The Regent has a permanent seat on the College, but chiefly acts as a ceremonial head of state and military leader. The armed forces are led by the Regent but swear loyalty to the General Estates, with the exception of a small unit of personal guards named the "Crow Guard" who act as the Regent's household soldiers.

Marklight is the centre of the Church of the Inner Sea, and almost 90% of its inhabitants follow the Church. Although the second Treaty of the Accord requires religious tolerance, followers of the Archons sometimes face discrimination or social exclusion.

The capital of Marklight is Old Wending, a centre of religion and trade. Other population centres include Tarpor, the main seaport and largest city; Saltlash, a secondary seaport; Feverstone, an ancient cathedral city, and Caitleysham, a wealthy hillside town known for its fine craftsmanship and fine old city walls.

Marklight is bordered by Prester to the south and the Land of a Thousand Swords to the north.

Marklighters generally resemble Vortens in having medium height, stocky build and brown hair.