Mardis

Koloy Mardis (bukkean: Mordys) was a Kefan ruler, who was the Murdoh of the city of Ari and later the king of the kingdom of Ari. He is notable for having started a two and a half century civil war when he demanded independence from Rufu Aoa, the king of Afanyu. His request was denied, and Mardis attempted to take power by force. After a number of inconclusive battles with Aoa, Mardis proclaimed himself to be the king of the short lived kingdom of Ari. He was killed by his own sons who betrayed him to a contestant outside of the family.

Not much is known about Mardis' early years. He seemed to have received a military education and his position as Murdoh was combined with Jeen of the city army. Military support allowed him to make the claim to power and then support it by actually marching on Rufu Aoa.

After the city of Zo gained independence from Rufu Aoa, two more cities requested independence from Rufu. Rufu punished one of the cities, by sending his forces and burning it down, hoping to quell the calls for separatism. But Mardis saw this as an opportunity to gain power and join the rebel cities, by lodging a request for independence on behalf of Ari, the second largest city of the kingdom.

Mardis enveloped his thirst for power in rhetoric about supporting the rebels and as outrage on behalf of the burned city. Multiple documents show that he had his court create and distribute pamphlets among the citizens of Ari that denounced Rufu for his cruelty.

Meanwhile, Mardis was preparing for a campaign, knowing full well that his request is going to be denied. In 1668, when royal messengers delivered the news, Mardis imprisoned them and promised that he would have them deliver the head of Rufu to the citizens of Gled. He then led his army with the goal of attacking Gled. However, Rufu intercepted his forces and several drawn out battles took place, leading to a 6 months standoff.

Eventually, none of the armies could gain a lead, and Mardis proclaimed himself to be the king of Ari. By this time Rufu's rule had effectively collapsed, as several more cities proclaimed themselves to be independent states. He, however, continued to be supported in many of the southern provinces and continued to be in power in Gled.

Realizing that he is no longer the single problem for Rufu, Mardis had his forces retreat back to Ari, and just in time, as Ari was attacked by a united army from several of the western cities, including the city of Garon. Mardis was able to defend his realm, but suffered heavy losses. This, however, made him extremely popular as the defender of his people.

Only a year later, Mardis led a campaign to Garon and conquered it, expanding his kingdom further southwest. He also claimed Tarif and levied tax on the metropolis, but was later unable to effectively collect it.

Mardis was poisoned by his own sons in 1672 SR, who supported Drufos Lador, a poet from Garon. Having ruled for under three years, Mardis nevertheless left a lasting impression on the land, and later the Lower Kingdom army was called mardissa in his honor, and became the colloquial name for Afanyu forces in the Loodon Empire.