Free Cities of Marlock
In the far northeast of Keshloam, butted up against the watery expanse of The Vast, which the Cities call The Sleepless Sea, are the Free Cities of Marlock, a collection of city-states linked together by a disdain for centralized government, or any other state’s definitions of “civilization.”
The closest approximation of the political reality of the Cities is likely a syndicate. That word often carries with it criminal connotations, which may or may not be applicable to some of Cities.
New Carydam, the largest and arguably most important of these Cities, is the hub of The Dog Coast, from which many enterprising individuals launch a variety of maritime activities, including some undertakings that others might consider "piracy." The ability to navigate the icy waters of The Sleepless Sea, a cavalier attitude toward a long lifespan, and an approach toward problem solving that privileges either sly cunning and/or violence tends to be among the characteristics of individuals who thrive in the Cities.
The closest approximation of the political reality of the Cities is likely a syndicate. That word often carries with it criminal connotations, which may or may not be applicable to some of Cities.
The Fifteen Free Cities
- New Carydam
- Black Milhail
- Abran's Stove
- Starbreak
- Yimm
- Pardon
- Halfpeach
- Ornreel
- Ragsdale
- Mistrek
- Oskton
- Malrun
- Forge
- Reddock
- Port Bellows
Climate
Many Cityfolk are fond of proclaiming the Cities to be a "cold place full of warm people." Cold seasons in the Cities are bitingly cold, with frigid winds and significant snow storms on a regular basis. The ability to withstand this harsh conditions is often a point of pride for the Cityfolk, and is considered one of the many ways the Cities are different from everyone else. Warmer seasons are considered "mild."Structure
Each Free City appoints a Freeholder to be their voice in the Parley.
If a settlement in territory claimed by the Free Cities wishes the join the syndicate, it requires at least 3/4s of the Cities to agree to admit the settlement. If that occurs, the City is given "Associate" status for a period of five years, during which they may observe and offer insight as to the happenings of the Parley, but may not vote.
Culture
Self-reliance and self-interest are the motivations for most in the Cities. Other political entities may look at this position as one of selfishness, but Cityfolk would call it one of honesty.
Moreover, it is a considered argument of many Freeholders that actions that benefit the individual actually benefit the group. A rising tide floats all ships, and so forth.
As might be expected with such a cultural standpoint, individual autonomy is greatly valued. The majority of Cityfolk would rather die than be subjugated to someone else's idea as to how to live a life.
The Cities also consider themselves to be the best sailors on The Sleepless Sea. While this is certainly true of the political entities of Keshloam, the Drembari Isles are an even match for the Cities' maritime prowess.
Public Agenda
The Cities are bound together by collective self-interest. That is what unites them and provides them with political, military, and fiscal resources. They exist to protect themselves--and, by extension, each other--from encroachment from other expansionist political states.
The Free Cities exist so that the Cities may remain free.
Assets
Each City is expected to contribute financial capital and other necessary resources to maintain the status of the Cities. This is called the Fair Share, and is done on a sliding scale, with the larger Cities contributing the most resources (and reaping the most benefits, whatever those may be), while other, smaller Cities contribute less. This exact amount is determined by a careful and complex auditing process.
Discovery of failure to pay the Fair Share is met with ruthless sanctions.
For the Self, For the Cities
Founding Date
871
Type
Geopolitical, Free City
Capital
Alternative Names
Dog Cities, the Damned Northeast
Demonym
Cityfolk
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Legislative Body
The Parley, comprised of Freeholdersdetermines domestic and foreign policy for the Cities, insomuch that the Cities place any value in these things.
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Related Traditions
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments