Marabethia
| Marabethia | |
|---|---|
| |
| World | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
“ The Marabethians have a saying for those who refuse to see the truth of a situation. 'You have eyes of red and blue', they say. Red for blood dripping. Blue for the water. It is said that these two things are all the [criminals] see. Usually they are attacked within one day. And yet, most still wish to take that chance. They prefer the false hope ”
Marabethia is a nation on Roshar occupying the isthmus separating the Purelake from the Reshi Sea.[2] The Marabethian people are known to have a great fondness for debate; the city has many pedestals at intersections where men can stand and proclaim his arguments. It is said that the residents are known to carry around overripe fruit for discouraging those they disagree with.[1]
![[2]](#cite_note-OB_Roshar.jpg-2){kind=link}
Geography and Ecology
During the time of the Silver Kingdoms, Marabethia was controlled by Sela Tales[3] and is still considered to be in Selay lands.[1]
Off the coast of Marabethia, a greatshell known as yu-nerig can be found. They are known for their succulent flavor and gemhearts.[1]
South Marabethia
The Skybreakers have a stronghold on the southern edge of Marabethia along the Purelake that is used to train acolytes. They will often use their surroundings for this training, including by placing items in the Purelake, to be used by the squires.[4][5]
Reshi-idealists can be found living on the southern border of the country. The Purelaker religion is also present in the area, likely due to the proximity between the Purelakers and those on the Marabethian southern border.[6]
Law and Order
“The local monarchs have accepted us as a unifying martial force, and have given us legal authority. The city's high minister wrote to us via spanreed, pleading for help. ”
—[6]
Lawkeeps in Marabethia dress in a patterned shoulder cloak and colorful skirtlike wrap.[4]
To punish serious crimes, perpetrators are dangled over a seaside cliff, during high tide with a cut in each cheek, as bait for the yu-nerig.[7] If the criminal survives for a week, they are set free.[1] The criminals that hang there are usually attacked within a day. A criminal can demand execution instead but almost every prisoner chooses to be hung over the sea, because they prefer false hope to certain death.[1]
The Marabethian government is aware that the Skybreakers have a keep in the region and will call on them if they require assistance with enforcement.[6]
History
Nale pursued Lift while she was in Marabethia before following her to Azir.[8]
During the True Desolation, the coalition of monarchs reached out to Marabethia for aid and alliance, however, Marabethia did not respond to the request.[9]
A town on the southern border of the country is known to hold prisoners from across the region and is populated by Reshi-idealists. In 1174, Szeth and other Skybreaker acolytes were taken there to hunt down prisoners who had escaped from the local jail. The jail keep was ultimately captured and found guilty of diverting funds meant for the prison's upkeep into his own pockets instead.[6]
