Elmark the Scholar

Elmark II (Middle Zaleman: Ælmarce "noble blood"; 26 June 1245-13 December 1313), also known by the epithets the Scholar, the Wise, and the Arbiter, was King of Zalema and Lord of Kalmod from 1271 to 1313. He succeeded his father, Elgun IV, as king. He is chiefly remembered for creating the trading language that would eventually evolve into Standard Colomaic, the modern lingua franca of Colomai. Elmark was a devout Alkadist, and his faith was said to have terrified the Witch-Warriors of Kalmod, whom he suppressed during his reign. He was succeeded by his son, Elbrin II.

Early life
Elmark was born during the early reign of his father Elgun, the third of four sons. With two older brothers (Elgun and Elmen), Elmark was not expected to inherit the throne and set his sights on the study of theology. He was educated in this subject by Halgotar, his father Elgun's court chaplain, to whose teachings he would later attribute his own zealousness. He also studied the writings of Osren the White, through which he gained an understanding of light-magic (although he had no magical blood himself). Elmark was said to be an intelligent and learned man, even during his youth, and was sent to the University of Palonou at the age of sixteen to finish his education.

In a twist of fate, Elmark became Crown Prince of Zalema at the age of twenty, as his elder brothers Elgun and Elmen died at sea. Five years later, his father died of pneumonia, and Elmark ascended to the throne.

Reign
Elmark sought to improve relations between Zalema and its surrounding kingdoms, including Ullond to the northeast and the stronger Oalat to the south. To further this goal, Elmark divised a trading language that combined parts of all three nations' languages in order to streamline trade, and pushed for a unified regional currency (although this proposal never came to fruition).

Kalmod
Rumors of resurgent pagan witch covens in the Lordship of Kalmod had been longstanding, although they had been ignored by Elmark's father and predecessor Elgun IV. Elmark launched a secret investigation into the Chief Magistrate, Durric, and found him to be practicing illegal occult magic. Durric was put to death and replaced by Elmark's brother Elric, a devout Alkadist like the king. While a member of the royal family had never before been appointed to that position, Elmark's reasoning (that increased trust and streamlining of the relationship between the King and the Chief Magistrate was needed) was accepted by the King's Council and the public.

Marriage and children
Elmark was married to Stefania, a princess from Oalat, to whom he was betrothed as a child. Elmark and Stefania are known to have loved each other, a relatively uncommon occurrence among contemporary marriages made for the purpose of alliances between nations.

As a devout Alkadist, Elmark practiced chastity (as much as it was possible) in order to cleanse the mind. Thus, in their years of marriage, Stefania carried only two children: a daughter, named after her mother, and Elmark's son and heir, Elbrin II.