Mardux

It is a common misapprehension that the Mardux is the ruler of Marrishland. In fact, the Mardux is only the chair of the Council of duxes that meets periodically to solve problems that are too large for any one duxy and to discuss mutual concerns. This is the reason why the position of the Mardux is often referred to as the Chair. Usually, such meetings have the tone of a diplomatic meeting between neighboring nations, since each dux governs his own duxy.

If the Council determines by unanimous vote that a grave threat to all of Marrishland exists, the Mardux gains virtually absolute power for the duration of the crisis. While the crisis exists, the Mardux may freely violate and demand the violation of any and all Mar laws — including Vangard's Rules of Governance and Bera's Unwritten Laws — without any fear of consequences.

The Mardux gains his position through magical combat. Any eighth-degree wizard other than another dux may challenge the Mardux to single combat at any time from dawn on the Weardfest to the dawn following Weardfest. If the Mardux endures challenges for one full day, no one may challenge him again until the following Weardfest. If a challenger defeats the Mardux, she must defeat all other challenges issued to her for the next 24 hours. If she is toppled by another challenger, that challenger must also hold the position for 24 hours. This continues until a wizard emerges the victor.

To prevent defeated opponents from issuing a new challenge within the 24 hour window, as well as at the next Weardfest, almost all wizards kill their opponents for the Chair. Since multiple wizards can challenge the existing Mardux, and each of those challengers, if victorious, must still contend with all their other rivals, the Chair almost never changes hands during two consecutive years.

(Contributed by Nightfire Tradition)

Copyright 2005-2007 Eric Zawadzki and Matthew Schick. All Rights Reserved.
This site has features best viewed in Mozilla Firefox. Download today!