Kingdom of Upper Siar
The Kingdom of Upper Siar is a predominantly Human kingdom in western Siarland. The Kingdom of Upper Siar owes its roots to Alerio's Rebellion. After the fall of Halentha and Lorintha to the human revolutionaries, Upper Siar used the political chaos to declare their independence from the Kingdom of Farraige. While the Nobility of Upper Siar as well as most of its population are Human, they often bare physical attributes that betray their mixed heritage, such as their distinctive, subtly pointed ears.
Structure
Upper Siar is a feudal constitutional monarchy, with power concentrated in the hands of the ruling monarch and a council of noble families. The king or queen is advised by a council composed of the heads of the most powerful noble houses, each of which controls significant lands and resources within the kingdom. These noble houses are fiercely competitive, often engaging in intricate political maneuvering to gain favor and influence within the royal court. The nobles of the council are guided by a constitution composed by the first King of Upper Siar and his most trusted advisors and generals following their victory in the revolution following The Human Rebellion.
Alongside the feudal monarchy that governs Upper Siar, there exists a distinct tribal clan system composed of various native human clans. These clans dwell primarily in the foothills and forests of Upper Siar, occupying villages and small towns scattered throughout the region. The clans maintain a unique cultural identity and semi-autonomous status, while still officially recognising the authority of the crown.
Each clan is led by a Chieftain, who is chosen by the Council of Elders — a body of respected clan members, often including warriors, druids, and other influential figures. The chieftainship is not hereditary; instead, the clans select their leaders based on merit, wisdom, and the approval of the clan members.
The influence of the clans reaches into the royal court, where some members of the nobility have clan roots or maintain close ties to them.
Despite their semi-autonomy, the clans have integrated aspects of Upper Siar's broader culture, especially in trade and diplomacy. They frequently trade with the towns and cities under direct crown control, providing goods such as wool, timber, furs, and medicinal herbs. The clans are also known for their skilled craftsmen, particularly in woodworking, weaving, and herbalism. Their goods are highly valued across the kingdom and beyond.
The kingdom's legal system is a blend of Human and Elven law, with a focus on maintaining social order and upholding the rights of the nobility. Justice is administered by local lords in their respective territories, with more serious cases being escalated to the royal court.
Culture
The people of Upper Siar are known for their resilience and independence, qualities that have been shaped by their tumultuous history. The kingdom's culture is a unique blend of Human and Elven traditions, reflecting the mixed heritage of its population. This fusion is evident in the architecture, art, and customs of Upper Siar, where Human pragmatism is tempered by Elven aesthetics and spiritualism.
The nobility, despite their Human ancestry, often exhibit subtle Elven features, such as pointed ears and angular facial structures. This mixed heritage is a point of pride for some, and earns derision from others, symbolizing the kingdom's complex history and the blending of cultures that define its identity.
The clans retain a distinct identity marked by ancient traditions, rituals, and practices. They place great importance on oral history, storytelling, and the veneration of nature. Sacred groves, standing stones, and hidden glens are central to their spiritual practices, which often revolve around seasonal festivals and rites that honor the spirits of the land, ancestors, and natural forces.
The clans are known for their distinctive dress and adornment, often wearing garments woven in intricate patterns, crafted from local wool and dyed with vibrant natural colors. Clan warriors favor light armor made from leather and hide, often accompanied by shields and spears, and are renowned for their skills in skirmishing, hunting, and guerrilla tactics.
Demography and Population
Population: 4.5 Million
85% Human
15% Half Elf
Territories
Upper Siar
Military
The backbone of Upper Siar’s military is the feudal levy, a force of around 15,000 soldiers that can be raised from the holdings of the kingdom’s noble houses. Each noble house is required to provide a certain number of troops — often consisting of lightly armored foot soldiers, archers, and a small contingent of mounted knights. These levies are mostly drawn from the rural peasantry and are usually hastily trained when needed, resulting in a force that can be effective in large numbers but lacks professional training.
The clan warbands provide Upper Siar with a unique military advantage. Composed of warriors from the semi-autonomous clans that inhabit the foothills and forests, these troops are skilled in skirmishing, guerrilla tactics, and ambushes. They are adept at using the rugged terrain of Upper Siar to their advantage, making them particularly effective in defensive campaigns or irregular warfare. Clan warriors are often lightly armed but are fiercely independent and highly motivated to defend their homelands. They serve under their own chieftains, bringing a different command style and tactical approach that adds diversity to the kingdom's military strategy.
Religion
Religious practices in the cities of Upper Siar are diverse, with the majority of the population following the teachings of the Order of Alerio, which maintains outposts manned by Paladins and Monks of the Order within the Kingdom. However, there are also significant numbers who adhere to Elven spiritual traditions, particularly among the Half-Elf minority. In recent years, the Order of Alerio has expressed increasing distolerance of the lingering Elven spirtual traditions, with crackdowns by the Order being staved only by continued Elven cultural influence in the upper echelons of power.
The clans of Upper Siar, who inhabit the foothills and forests, have their own distinct religious traditions, which are both separate from and intertwined with the main religions of the kingdom. Their spirituality is deeply animistic and rooted in nature worship, with a focus on honoring local spirits, sacred groves, and ancient stone circles. The clans believe that every hill, forest, and stream has its own guardian spirit, which must be respected and appeased to maintain balance and harmony within their lands.
Foreign Relations
The kingdom's political landscape is marked by its tense relations with the Kingdom of Farraige. The two kingdoms share a long and contentious history, with frequent border skirmishes and diplomatic disputes. Despite these tensions, Upper Siar has managed to maintain its independence, despite Queen Alayana of Farraige's imperial ambitions.
Notably, a large portion of of Upper Siar's maritime trade ariives via a small port in the town of Crosswatch on the western banks of the Garda Siar. It would be little effort for the Kingdom of Farraige's superior navy to blockade the river mouth and cut off trade in or out, or to simply cross the river in force and seize the township. Such an action would necessitate Upper Siar to source all imports via road from the Free City of Cymara severly harming its trade.
Agriculture & Industry
The kingdom's economy is a mix of agriculture, mining, and trade. The region's temperate climate supports a variety of crops, with wheat, barley, and rye being the staples. The kingdom is also rich in mineral resources, particularly iron and copper, which fuel its burgeoning industries.
Its artisans are renowned for producing fine metalwork and weaponry, which are highly sought after in neighboring regions. Despite its relatively small size and lack of maritime tradition, Upper Siar has managed to establish a network of trade routes that extend beyond its borders, bringing wealth and influence to the kingdom. This is primarily accomplished through the use of the Free City of Cymara as an intermediary however Holzreich has shown increasing interest in the growing realm in recent years, particuraly in the timber and furs industries as the Reich's rapid industrialisation is gradually depleting their own natural resources.
Founding Date
1IE
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Upper Siar
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Upper Siarlander
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Major Exports
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Comments