The Free Marches encompass a group of wealthy city-states across central and eastern Thedas. The area now corresponding to the Free Marches was originally settled by various barbarian tribes before becoming part of the Tevinter Imperium. After Andraste and Maferath liberated southern Thedas from Tevinter, the area was given to their son Evrion to rule. When Maferath's betrayal was revealed, Evrion dispersed his holdings among his people. As a result, the Free Marches never fully coalesced into a single nation. Their cities only form a loose confederation that rarely unites on any matter. Each city-state has its own form of government and its own culture. Outside aggression and the Grand Tourney are the only things that reliably unite the Marchers. In the event of attack from larger neighbors, the Marchers can assemble a joint military front that even the greatest powers cannot dismiss.[1] The three city-states with any real power in the Marches are Kirkwall, Starkhaven and Tantervale, each led by a titled official with the privilege of naming their city's Champion. Nevarra City, once a powerful Marcher city-state, broke off in the Exalted Age to form its own nation.
History[]
Ancient history[]
Originally, the area that now corresponds to the Free Marches was settled by various barbarian tribes, such as the Planasene, and was originally part of the Tevinter Imperium. Some of the cities that now make the Free Marches were originally founded by Tevinter, such as Emerius (now known as Kirkwall), which was founded in -620 Ancient as a slave outpost from which to mine jet stone.[2]
Between -180 Ancient and -170 Ancient, the Alamarri led by Maferath and Andraste invaded the Tevinter Imperium, taking over much of their southern territory. For some unknown reason, three magisters and their legions were sent to Emerius during the Exalted March, but never reached the city.[3] Meanwhile, Andraste established a fortress in Nevarra City, led by one of her disciples, Hector. After Maferath betrayed Andraste to Archon Hessarian in -170 Ancient, it was from Nevarra City that Andraste was captured.[4][5]
In exchange for betraying Andraste, Maferath was granted the lands of southern Thedas. He gave the lands that would become the Free Marches to his middle son, Evrion. However, after Maferath's treachery was exposed in -160 Ancient by a repentant Archon Hessarian, Evrion dispersed his holdings between various tribes and renounced his lineage.[6] As a result, the area never coalesced into a cohesive nation.
Cut off from centers of powers, the cities took the opportunity to break free and become independent, such as Emerius, which survived several attempts at being consolidated into a single kingdom by various warlords, until eventually falling to a slave rebellion in -25 Ancient.[7]
Over the next centuries, many of the independent Marcher city-states would be captured and then regain their independence once again, while others, such as Nevarra City, expanded so much that they turned into full-blown nations.[8]
Failed unification[]
In 1:95 Divine, the last battle of the Second Blight was fought at Starkhaven, at the time the largest and most prosperous city-state in the Free Marches,[9] with a human army led by the Grey Wardens.[10] Both sides suffered heavy losses, but Zazikel was finally slain by Warden Corin.[11] Seeing an opportunity to raise Starkhaven's status further, Prince Fyruss of Starkhaven had his men scour the battlefield to reclaim the slain Wardens' weapons.[12]
Twenty years later, in 2:15 Glory, Fyruss proclaimed himself King of Starkhaven and attempted to unite the Free Marches as his own empire with the backing of Tevinter allies. Despite launching multiple campaigns over several decades, Fyruss failed to conquer any of the neighboring city-states. Fyruss also attacked southern Antiva, leading several Antivan cities to band together to resist his advances in 2:33 Glory.[13] Eventually, after his failure to conquer his neighbors and his politically inconvenient attack on Antiva, Fyruss was betrayed by his Tevinter allies and ousted from Starkhaven. The Tevinter Imperium annexed Starkhaven in 2:45 Glory. Since Fyruss' failed attempt at unification, the title of "king" has been shunned in the Free Marches.[14][15][16][17]
In 2:80 Glory, the Chantry declared an Exalted March to liberate Starkhaven from the Imperium. The battle for Starkhaven's independence was short, but bloody.[18]
Nevarran independence[]
In 5:12 Exalted, the Archdemon Andoral awoke, triggering the Fourth Blight. The darkspawn devastated Antiva and Rivain before swarming across the Free Marches. The cities of Wycome and Kirkwall were evacuated by the Grey Wardens and Fortress Haine was rebuilt as a haven for refugees.[19]
In 5:37 Exalted, Tylus, the first Van Markham king of Nevarra, was crowned after having claimed to be a descendant of Drakon's son; just after King Nestor Pentaghast was killed in Cumberland. Being a hero of the recent Fourth Blight, Tylus was able to stir nationalistic feelings in the western Free Marches against the growing power of Orlais. He proved his military might by winning several major battles against the Orlesians, with a decisive battle taking place in 5:40,[20] establishing Nevarra as a new, growing power.[21]
Wars of conquest[]
In 7:56 Storm, the Qunari landed near Ostwick and launched assaults against Starkhaven and Kirkwall. Starkhaven prevailed, but Kirkwall fell due to the magic of the Saarebas.[22] The city remained under Qunari power until Orlesian chevalier Ser Michel Lafaille liberated Kirkwall in 7:60 Storm. He found that most of the population had converted to the Qun. Kirkwall was incorporated into the Orlesian Empire, and Lafaille became the ruler of the city, named Viscount by the Orlesian emperor.[23]
In 8:05 Blessed, Kirkwall rebelled against Orlesian rule and gained independence, but maintained the title of viscount for its ruler.
In 8:82 Blessed, Nevarra began a bloody campaign of conquest within the Free Marches, encouraged by their taking of Perendale and Hasmal. They were stopped by Cade Arvale, who was named Champion of Tantervale for his deed.[24]
Modern day[]
In 9:21 Dragon, Viscount Perrin Threnhold attempted to expel the Templar Order from Kirkwall, killing Knight-Commander Guylian in a raid on the Templar stronghold, only to be overthrown by Knight-Captain Meredith Stannard. For her actions in stopping Threnhold, Meredith was named Knight-Commander by Grand Cleric Elthina. With the Chantry's support, Meredith appointed Marlowe Dumar to succeed Perrin as Viscount, while remaining the true authority in the city.[25][26][27]
Involvement[]
In 9:30, Fereldan refugees fleeing from the Fifth Blight pour into Marcher cities along the coast of the Waking Sea.
In 9:31 Dragon, Qunari set out to meet Orlesians who agreed to return the Tome of Koslun to them. However, the book is intercepted by a Rivaini pirate. The Qunari pursue the thief, but a storm causes both of their ships to founder on the coast of Kirkwall. The Arishok and his surviving army are forced to remain in the Qunari Compound until they can reclaim the Tome of Koslun.
In 9:34 Dragon, after a series of provocations, the Arishok attacks the city, starting the First Battle of Kirkwall. In the ensuing invasion, Viscount Dumar is killed by the Arishok. Hawke is instrumental in liberating the city and is thus named "Champion of Kirkwall" by Kirkwall's Knight-Commander, Meredith Stannard.
In 9:37 Dragon, the apostate mage Anders destroys the Kirkwall Chantry. The Templars attempt to annul the Circle in retaliation, igniting the Kirkwall Rebellion and inspiring mages throughout Thedas to rebel against the Circle system. The Champion of Kirkwall kills First Enchanter Orsino and Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard during the battle.[28]
Geography[]
The Free Marches encompass a group of city-states located in central and eastern Thedas, south of Antiva and the Tevinter Imperium, with Nevarra to the west, and Ferelden across the Waking Sea to the south. The Minanter River crosses the Free Marches from west to east; its fertile banks have made the Free Marches the breadbasket of Thedas.
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Settlements[]
City-states[]
- Ansburg (Margraviate of Ansburg) – located in the eastern Free Marches, alongside the Minanter River. Though it's a bustling center of agricultural trade, Ansburg is frequently called a "backwater".[29]
- Hasmal – its position on the edge of the Silent Plains means a regular influx of Tevinter refugees (usually escaped slaves).[29]
- Hercinia – a palatial city-state on the Amaranthine coast. Known for its taxes and frequent raider activity.[29]
- Kirkwall (Viscountcy of Kirkwall) – as the gate for nautical trade moving into and out of the heart of the continent, Kirkwall is the major trade hub of the Free Marches.[29][30]
- Markham – Ansburg's more cultured sister city, located in the southern Free Marches, not far from the Vimmark Mountains. Markham is a center for agricultural research and home to one of the largest universities in Thedas.[29]
- Ostwick (Teyrnir of Ostwick) – its position on the mouth of the Waking Sea made it the Qunari's first landing point in the Free Marches. Famous for its double walls.[29]
- Starkhaven (Principality of Starkhaven) – largest city in the Free Marches. Located alongside the Minanter River.[29]
- Tantervale – located in the western Free Marches along the banks of the Minanter River. One of the three most influential cities in the Free Marches. Chantry law is all but absolute, and the city guard is obsessed with enforcement.[29]
- Wycome (Duchy of Wycome) – located on the Amaranthine coast, near the mouth of the Minanter river. Widely regarded as the most free of the Free Marches and the revelry capital of Thedas. Notable for being the second-greatest importer of Antivan wine after Orlais despite having less than a third the population of Val Royeaux.[29]
Other known settlements[]
- Hambleton – a village near Markham[31]
- Kaiten (Viscountcy of Kaiten) – a city along the edge of the Minanter, close to Starkhaven[32]
- Wildervale – located north of the Vimmark Mountains and south of the Minanter River [33][34]
- Wilverdale[Note] – located somewhere near the Vimmark Mountains[35]
- Wrenwith – a small village north of Kirkwall[36]
Regions[]
- The Bone Pit
- Bone Pit Mines (Bone Pit Ledge)
- Drakestone Mines
- Rotting Cave
- Estwatch
- Green Dales[citation needed]
- Planasene Forest[37]
- Vimmark Mountains
- Wounded Coast
Rivers[]
Additional places[]
Vimmark Mountains[]
- Abandoned Thaig (underground)
- Carta Hideout
- Chateau Haine
- Corypheus's Prison (The Wardens' Prison)
- Tower Base (underground)
- Sashamiri's Floor (1st floor)
- Farele's Floor (2nd floor)
- Riannon's Floor (3rd floor)
- Daneken's Floor (4th floor)
- The Final Seal (5th floor)
- Eastern Hunting Grounds
- Western Hunting Grounds
- Mountainside Path
- The Ruins
- Sundermount Ambush Site
- Vimmark Mountain Pass
- Vimmark Wasteland
Wounded Coast[]
- Abandoned Ruins
- Abandoned Slaver Den (underground)
- Bounty Hunter Getaway
- Dank Cave
- Slaver Caverns
- Tal-Vashoth Cavern
Culture and society[]
Cultural diversity[]
While people outside of the Free Marches often see them as a united nation, the Marchers are the independent-minded descendants of barbarians and raiders[40] and generally see themselves as "many nations squashed under one name." Each city has its own government, culture and customs.[17]
The Free Marches' central location in Thedas only increases this cultural diversity. The movement of goods and trade brings people from across the continent, and many native-born Marchers are born of parents from elsewhere. That being said, the region is not completely welcoming 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. In the wake of the Fifth Blight, Kirkwall in particular suffered from an outgrowth of nativist sentiment, as the presence of so many Fereldan refugees and a force of marooned Qunari led to a backlash from Marchers angry at what they saw as a takeover of the city by foreign powers.
Grand Tourney[]
- Main article: Grand Tourney
The Grand Tourney
The Grand Tourney is one of the Free Marches' most celebrated events and one of the few things that bring Marchers together.[41] It is held once every thousand days in cities across the Free Marches.[42] Participants from all over Thedas converge on this festival of martial skill and valor in a competition to crown a champion of the games. The 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.
Food[]
The Free Marches are known as the breadbasket of Thedas; its farms along the banks of the Minanter River are the source of much of the continent's food. Starkhaven, the largest city in the Free Marches, is located on this waterway.[1] Among the city-states, roast turkey is a popular fare for the nobility and the wealthy. As this meal is labor-intensive and time-consuming, it is often reserved for feasts, special occasions such as birthdays, and dinner parties.[43] Jellied meats, originally a food for commoners, have become a delicacy for nobles in some parts of the Free Marches such as Ansburg.[44] Additionally, seafood is popular throughout the Marches. Starkhaven's signature dish is fish and egg pie, made from freshwater fish caught in the Minanter, while Kirkwall is known for its crab cakes.
Architecture[]
The Marches were once part of the Tevinter Imperium, evidence of which is found in its massively tall buildings of white stone.
Politics[]
The Free Marches have no central government or economy, no king and no capital, making the whole region difficult to protect. Each city is self-governing and has its own form of government. Like all governments, they can be subject to external influences. The seaport of Kirkwall, for example, is officially governed by a singular ruler known as a Viscount, but real political authority rests in the heads of the local chapter of the Templar Order.
The Marcher states are wary of intrusions by their neighbours, frequently leading to tensions between them as they vie for power. During times of crisis, the most powerful merchants, generals and rulers of the Free Marches can convene to deal with the issue, similar to the Landsmeet of Ferelden.[45]
Titles[]
Official titles differ from one Marcher city to another, though currently none of them boasts a King. The supreme leaders are titled as follows:
- Duke/Duchess – the ruler of Wycome; known Dukes include:
- Antoine – the Duke of Wycome in 9:41; a corrupt ruler who sought to purge Wycome of its elves using red lyrium; an elven Inquisitor's actions may result in his death and the creation of a council-style government representing various sectors of Wycome, the Alienage and the Keeper of Clan Lavellan
- Lord/Lady Chancellor – the ruler of Tantervale; known Lord Chancellors include:
- Joffrey Orrick – Lord Chancellor in 9:29[46]
- Margrave/Margravine – the ruler of Ansburg; known Margraves includes:
- Thalia Aurum – Margravine in 8:93 Blessed during the Fereldan Rebellion and maternal aunt to Eamon and Teagan Guerrin.[47]
- Prince/Princess – the ruler of Starkhaven; Starkhaven has been ruled by a number of overlords seeking extravagant titles, the latest being King Ironfist; after Ironfist's rule was peacefully ended, the city's people begged the noble who led the successful protest—Lord Vael—to be their new king; feeling no one was worthy of such a title and that it would encourage corruption, he refused, and was instead proclaimed Prince of Starkhaven; known Princes include:
- Lord Vael – the first Prince of Starkhaven
- Artesian Vael – a Prince who ruled during the Exalted Age
- Corbinian Vael – supposed heir to the throne of Starkhaven[48]
- Goran Vael – a cousin of the main Vael family who was placed on the throne as a puppet by Lady Johane Harimann—who had the previous prince and most of his immediate heirs assassinated in 9:31; he was the "pretender" to the throne of Starkhaven from 9:31-9:41
- Sebastian Vael – Prince of Starkhaven (9:41-present)
- Teyrn/Teryna – the ruler of Ostwick[49]
- Viscount/Viscountess – the title given to the rulers of Kirkwall and Kaiten; it originates from when the lands of the Marches were part of the Orlesian Empire; known Viscounts include:
- Viscounts of Kaiten:
- Khedra – a corrupt and venerated ruler who was possessed by a Pride demon
- Ravi – overthrew Khedra and became the next Viscount of Kaiten
- Viscounts of Kirkwall:
- Ser Michel Lafaille – an Orlesian who led an army of chevaliers against the Qunari occupying Kirkwall; for his efforts he was appointed as the first Viscount of Kirkwall by the Emperor in 7:60 Storm
- Chivalry Threnhold – father of Perrin Threnhold; he was a vicious thug who took power through a campaign of intimidation and became Viscount at the beginning of the Dragon Age[25]
- Perrin Threnhold – assumed the title from his father in 9:14; he was notorious for attempting to expel the Templar Order from Kirkwall in 9:21, as a result of which he was ousted and imprisoned until his death by poison two years later
- Marlowe Dumar – appointed as the new Viscount of Kirkwall by Knight-Commander Meredith in 9:21; remained in the position until his execution by the Arishok in 9:34
- Hawke – named the new Viscount/Viscountess in 9:37 if they side with the templars at the onset of Kirkwall's mage rebellion
- Bran Cavin – Provisional Viscount of Kirkwall by 9:41
- Varric Tethras – a world-renowned author; companion to Hawke and the Inquisitor; he was elected Viscount around c. 9:43
- Viscounts of Kaiten:
- Ambassador – an accredited diplomat representative; known ambassadors include:
- Galen Vedas – Starkhaven ambassador to Nevarra in 9:06 Dragon[50]
For everybody else, Serah and Messere are common, gender-neutral forms of address within the Free Marches. Serah is used when addressing someone of equal or lesser status, while Messere is for a person of greater status.[51]
Champion[]
This title is bestowed, generally by a city ruler, on an individual who has proven their dedication to the city in blood, sweat, and leadership. The title is not necessarily a sign of honor, for a Champion can utilize methods that evoke love or fear. There have been Champions of Starkhaven, Tantervale and Kirkwall; known Champions include:
- Unnamed Champion of Starkhaven – fought during the Fourth Blight, including at the Battle of Ayesleigh[52]
- Cade Arvale – originally from Rivain, named Champion of Tantervale in 8:82 Blessed for stopping Nevarra's expansion into the Free Marches[24]
- Hawke – named the first Champion of Kirkwall in 9:34 Dragon for repelling the Qunari during the First Battle of Kirkwall
Notable Marchers[]
- For a complete list, see Category:Free Marchers.
Sebastian Vael, Prince of Starkhaven
Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard
- Alain
- Amadis Vael
- Belinda Darrow
- Bethany Hawke
- Professor Bram Kenric
- Bran Cavin
- Carver Hawke
- Charade Amell
- Donnic Hendyr
- Grand Cleric Elthina
- Gamlen Amell
- Grace
- Hawke – the "Champion of Kirkwall"
- Inquisitor Trevelyan – if they are the sole survivor of the Divine Conclave
- Leandra Amell
- Viscount Marlowe Dumar
- Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard
- First Enchanter Orsino
- Quentin
- Raleigh Samson
- Saemus Dumar
- Prince Sebastian Vael
- Thom Rainier – better known as Blackwall
- Strife
- Varric Tethras
- First Enchanter Vivienne
- The Warden / The Warden-Commander – if they are the offspring of Revka Amell via the magi origin
Codex entries[]
Codex entry: Armor of the Fallen- Codex entry: The Free Marches
- Codex entry: Chateau Haine
- Codex entry: The Celebrant
- Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 1
- Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 2
- Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 3
- Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4
- Codex entry: Mantle of the Champion
- Codex entry: Marcher Misconceptions
- Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift
- Codex entry: The Summer Sword
Note texts[]
Notes[]
- In Dragon Age II, a loading screen trivia claims that there are only two Circles of Magi in the Free Marches; one in Starkhaven and the other in Kirkwall. In fact, there are also Circles in Ostwick[53][54] and Hasmal[55] as of 9:41 Dragon, as well as mentions of Circles in Ansburg[56] and Markham,[57] though it is not known whether these still exist.
- In Dragon Age: Redemption, Nyree mentions a "Wilverdale". As this is phonetically incredibly similar to the area of Wildervale that appears on maps of the Free Marches, it is possible this is not a separate location but simply a mistaken reference.
Gallery[]
References[]
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