by Silvia
I. Land and Climate
Maren is one of the most prominent Eastern lands. In Lioness Rampant, we learn that it isn't much different from Tortall. Situated west of Tortall, it shares borders with Galla (north), Tusaine (west), Tyra (southwest), and Sarain (east/northeast). The Inland Sea forms the southern border, and the Drell River follows the border along Galla and Tusaine. The Shappa River runs through Maren. The only city we learn about is Berat, but it isn't the capital. The land in Maren is fertile; the country is considered to be the "grain basket of the Eastern Lands". There are plenty of farms for citrus, olive trees, grapes, wheat, corn, and other fruits. This indicates that the climate would be warmer than in middle Tortall; cold winters hinder the constant growth of some of these crops.
II. Fauna
Maren is, as we learn from the books, closely linked to the Mediterranean area. In this climate, fauna includes big animals (wolves, bears, wildcats), lots of different birds, domesticated animals (goats, donkeys, sheep), and far more reptiles than one would find in Tortall.
III. Food
Since many herbs and spices can grow in Maren's climate, the food will be spicy, but not terribly so. Fruit such as peaches, apricots, melons, and cherries would be fairly common, but rarely included in cooked meals. Dishes normally served hot might exist in a cold alternative. Vegetables included tomatoes, eggplants, sweet pepper, and cabbage. Livestock would include goats, sheep, cattle, and poultry. Wine, mostly red, would be a common drink, often diluted with water.
The People
I. Appearance
Maren is an immigration country. This means that the different races are intermingled. The most common appearance would be lightly tanned skin with a hint of olive, with dark hair and eyes. Every now and then, one might encounter a K'mir or a Lowlander from Sarain.
II. Clothing
The typical clothing in Maren would be much the same as in Tortall; differences are never mentioned. The average clothing is made of sturdy materials into tunics, trousers, or breeches for the men and dresses or skirts for the women. With the country being a big trade nation, there would most likely be influences from other countries such as light material from Carthak or fur from Scanra.
III. Religion
The Marenites, like the Tortallans, would worship a variety of gods and godesses. Some immigrants would worship their own deities, such as the Horse Lords.
IV. Language
The native language is Common, though there may be local dialects.
The System
I. Settlements
The only city in Maren we learn of is Berat. It isn't the capital of the country, but it is important enough that a noble such as Sir Myles has a "representation of interests" there. The style of homes, apart from farms, would likely be much the same as that of Tortallans.
II. Ruling
The country is a monarchy, currently ruled by King Barnesh. He isn't afraid of changing laws or making his nobles pay for their rights. In Trickster's Queen, we learn that "for anyone to be arrested, their accusers must give evidence before a magistrate. The magistrate has to write out a warrant for the arrest, based on proof of wrongdoing." Laws in the Eastern Lands seem to resemble each other; Master Advocate Muirgen of Sigis Hold is licensed to speak in law in Tortall, Tyra, Maren, and Galla.
The nobles in Maren seem to be of a less powerful kind than those in Tortall. Raoul mentions that "Barnesh in Maren is canceling all of his nobles' royal land grants. They have to petition him to retain their titles and estates, and they get to pay through the nose". This might be caused by Marenite economy depending heavily on trade, and the ruling monarch's ability to change taxes on imports and exports. Ever since King Norrin and Queen Anj'la ruled with the help of the Dominion Jewel, about 200 years ago, Maren has had no wars, famines, or epidemics.
III. Classes
Just like in Tortall, there's a difference between nobles and commoners. Merchants are powerful in this trade nation. As the farms are said to be huge, their owners will likely be fairly powerful, not only producing, but also trading their own goods. The fields on big farms are worked by slaves, but poor commoners who can't afford slaves will do their own tilling and plowing. Differences between the classes would not be as huge as in other countries, such as Carthak.
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