Kahal is located in southwest Markes on the outskirts of the port city of Terida. Today Markes is a Lumdai-dominant country. It is temperate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, along the Ovestia Ocean. The eastern mountains of Altir are wild and said to have many dangers among the crags and firs.

Key Cities  #

Capital of Galin #

Markes’ capital is Galin in the northeast. The capital of Galin draws the political elite and high fashion. There the elite import the latest fashions from Larissa, Seira. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Markes, who enforces Lumdai hegemony in Markes.

Tsiri  #

Tsiri is a center of enterprise and innovation along the North West Coast. Tsiri is an intellectual city for both Lumdai and Avodai. It is the location of both the secular Tsiri University and our Avodai Tsiri Seminary. It is known for its creative architecture and is quite a joy to visit. 

Markesi History  #

The Ehelemi Empire ruled Markes for more than 1000 years. At its height the empire spanned from Markes, in the north, to Iradizia, in the south. The Empire’s Emirs were of the Akdai faith, but for the most part the state allowed Lumdai and Avodai to live peacefully with communal self-governance as long as they paid extra taxes and did not wear silk. 

While part of the Empire, Terida was a hub of multi-cultural exchange and learning. It was known for scientific and architectural innovation. In 5554, a small group of Lumdai nobility in the north seized Markes and seceded from the empire with the help of their Seira allies.

For 100 years, the new rulers of Markes expelled all non-Lumdai on threat of conversion and established Markes as a Lumdai State. The seat of religious power lies with the Archbishop in Galin, the capital city.

Along the Bay of La’ja, Markes’ culture remains heavily influenced by its former Ehelemi rule. Only Terida’s high society distinguishes themselves from the local culture by copying Northern Markesan and Seiran fashion.

While the Writ of Expulsion ended in 5657, no Avodai communities settled in the country until we established Kahal 241 years later in 5898.

In the last 14 years, the monarchy and the General Court, a bicameral legislative chamber, have vied for power, resulting in a series of coups.  Just last year the liberals and royalists convened a constitutional convention leading to the Great Compromise. The Great Compromise resulted in a constitutional monarchy. The senators of the upper house will be appointed by the monarch, while the lower house deputies will be elected by the provinces. Among the populous, most are hopeful that the violence and uncertainty will now settle down, while reformers and socialists are greatly frustrated that the King retains so much power over the people.

While few Avodai are royalists, our community is split between those who are hopeful for the stability promised by the Great Compromise and the disappointment of the socialists who are working towards a true democratic state for all people. I, for one, work to capitalize on stability to advocate for Avodai legal rights with full, irrevocable citizenship.