Marinyan's declining prosperity poses a challenge to its most stubborn children. The intelligent flock to other estates for their education. The skilled travel across the seas to sell their wares. The Marinyani are relics from a bygone era. Their military might was their greatest strength, and there have not been militaries in Khshassa for four hundred years. The cities of Marinyan are said to have more halhasan on one street corner than all of Kiengiri does within its borders.

Nonetheless, the streets of Shabesu bustle with activity. The earliest commanders' descendants live luxurious, decadent lifestyles as clerks, governors, and judges. They keep the city alive through the constant stamping of paper. Each contract signed and letter delivered is a victory for Marinyan. Most of what these clerks, governors, and judges do is shuffle paper around until they can collect taxes, officiate marriages, or administer punishment.