Marken
Marken was unusual in that it had two rulers, but neither was able to fully control the city they vied for power over. As a result, the majority of Marken's citizenry was relatively free from governmental oversight.
This translated into a state where the market ruled all, and it was, in fact, the Merchant Guilds that controlled the day-to-day running of the city. Most citizens reported to the merchants, and the dukes who ostensibly ruled were primarily in charge of the military and little more. They seemed content with this arrangement as it led to their pockets being padded as much as anyone's.
At the same time, it has been argued that Marken could be even more properous were it to get rid of its dukes entirely, but many argue it was through the dukes that safety lay. Even after 300 years of peace, the citizens of Marken still feared the military training of Lawesee, with the question being what the training was for. Nevermind that many a soldier or merchant's guard in Marken was originally trained in the neighbouring city.
The sudden and unexpected attack by Burn in 1421 TY was a sign that Marken's focus was in the wrong direction. It is now a conquered city, with many of its wealthiest citizens having been slaughtered in the streets. Only one of the city's rulers, Duke Laszlo Periklis, made it out alive as he fought alongside his military in a holding action that helped several citizens escape.
Territories
While officially a city-state, Marken controlled about a 60 mile radius around the city itself. The land in question was mostly used for farming, both for the city and for trade with Lawesee and, to a lesser extent, Salinar.
This land was primarily independent prior to the foundation of Marken as a country, but the farmers who worked the land were happy to have a market for their crops, moreso when trade with Lawesee began.
Military
Marken had a standing military of about 40,000 troops, the vast majority of which were garrisoned in the city's four military districts. These troops were generally well-trained and organized. However, they did not see a lot of action apart from some policing in the city and chasing away some of the more dangerous creatures that entered Marken territory.
Religion
One could find most faiths represented in Marken, but worship of Erastil was most common in the lands outside the city proper. Inside the city, the largest temples were dedicated to Iomedae, Abadar, and Shelyn. One could likely find worship of most of the core deities among the populace although prayers to Asmodeus, Zon-kuthon, Norgorber, Urgathoa, Lamashtu, and Rovagug would only be done in private and in secrecy.
Maps
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Marken
A map of Marken
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