It is the rich who rule Marklemp. Those who own great mines or trading companies laying down the law for those who work under them.

Marklemp, which consists mostly of scattered mountain mining towns, is defended primarily by its rough terrain. Rather than having a standing army, the wealthy hire private soldiers to protect their interests.

The country has suffered in recent years from attacks from The Underdark, attributed to Black Sun. It is believed that the organization was responsible for the attempted theft of The Emberlight Church of the Sun's sun shard.

Marklemp benefits greatly from trade. The wealthy grow ever wealthier selling precious gemstones, while the poor suffer from the high costs of food imported over long, dangerous trips.

The Loffman Mining Company is the country's most powerful mining company, owning many mountain mining towns.

Marklempians despise crime and there is no crime they despise more than theft. For what is theft if not a broken trade agreement?

Marklemp is rocky, mountainous terrain. It is as unforgiving to careless travelers as Terra is to promise breakers. Traveling on the roads can be treacherous for the unskilled and unprepared, and off the roads a quick death sentence even for hardened travelers.

Marklempians value hard work, honesty, and those who keep their word. The poor have little time for finer culture but the area has a strong oral history tradition with communities trading stories in the evening when work is done.

Marklemp offers little in terms of public education. The wealthy privately educate their children and the poor have their children join them in the mines. The lucky few middle class learn trades through apprecnticeships.

Many Marklempians worship Terra, learning their ideals from her. Ember also has a powerful influence, with Emberlight Church of the Sun located in the region. While both deities are known to be diplomatic they have long sided against each other and their worshippers act similarly, treating one another with cold regard.