Free Marches
Where the free shall thrive
The Free Marches encompass a group of city-states situated in Eastern Thedas: South of Antiva, East of Nevarra, and North of Ferelden. The two cities with any major sway are Kirkwall and Starkhaven. Each is led by an individual noble with the special right to name their city's Champion.
Prior to their peaceful secession, Nevarra was also a prominent city-state of the Free Marches.
Externally, members of this nation are generally referred to as "Marchers". They see themselves as independent-minded descendants of tough barbarians. Their cities have formed as loose confederations, though historically they have come to each other's aid many times. Throughout their short history, the Free Marches has created joint militaries to protect from even the greatest powers.
Politics
The Free Marches has no central government. It has no king nor a capital. This also means that that many individual economies have crept up to fill niche roles. This makes it hard for one group to manage but allows small groups to thrive in the way of life of their choosing. Each city is self-governing and wary of intrusions from their neighbors, which occasionally leads to tensions though nothing ever really comes of it. The one political authority that trumps all else is the local chapter of the Templar Order . During times of crisis, the most poweful merchants, generals, and rulers of the Free Marches will convene to deal with the issue. Many times in history the city-states have banded to help one another against invading forces. Despite this, never have the people of the Free Marches been able to muster an offensive militia of any repute.Culture & Society
The Free Marches have shifted many hands throughout the course of history. The barbarous nature of the people come from their days as small tribes, the architecture of their cities comes from when they were occupied by the Tevinter Imperium, and the freedom of the city-states derived from Maferath's life tenants. The location of the Free Marches has lead the land to be very culturally diverse. Many trade routes bring people through the continent one way or another. Many native-born Marchers are born of parents from elsewhere. That being said, the region is sometimes hostile to newcomers. Many Marcher-born citizens resent the presence of foreigners and see the influence of outside nations and cultures as a threat to their way of life. They particularly distrust Orlesians due to their acts in the Second Exalted March. Southern Marchers were once known for raiding the northern coastlands of Ferelden. Over the course of many years, their role in that relationship has switched. Generally, Northern Ferelden houses have lead raids on the Southern cliff sides of the Free Marches.The Grand Tourney
One of the Free Marches' most celebrated events is the Grand Tourney. Participants from all over Thedas converge on this festival of martial skill and valor in a competition to crown a champion of the games. This victor is awarded a coronet of sage leaves and a trophy blade known as the Celebrant, which is inscribed with the names of every champion since the first tourney. A letter from a Free Marcher reads, "The most important thing to know about the Free Marches is that we're free. We determine our own destiny, and that pleases us. Beyond that, the only other time we coalesce is when Grand Tourney comes to town. Then we boldly express our pride to any foreigner who'll listen. We'll kiss freedom on the lips and even lock arms with a proud Starkhavener! Alas, it lasts only a day, but there's no harm in that, right?"
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Demonym
Marcher
Subsidiary Organizations
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Myths
Location: Central-Eastern Thedas
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