Etymology

Sianae (see-AH-nay) comes from an ancient Sianaen word meaning “people of Siannis”, the principle city-state early Sianae.

Geography

Sianae is one of three nations on the Tarsian Peninsula—the others being Tarsas and Eacenia. It is bounded in the north by the River Yeran and to the west by Aejennan Sea. It is bounded to the south/southeast by the River Tars. To the west, across the Strait of Salvi is an island bearing the same name, on which stands the ruined city of Salvi.

Cities and Places of Interest

The capital, and former city-state, of Siannis stands on the southernmost tip of the country, near a lush delta rainforest of the River Tars. North of the capital, on the delta of the Vereldo River, stands the fishing port of Vereldo. Where the Vereldo River splits away from the River Tars stands the city of Dansam. At the end of the River Yeran stands the city of Tipoli.

Along the two river borders of the country stand a series of strongholds named for the gods of Sianae: Dragon Hold, Phoenix Hold, Horse Hold, Lion Hold, Wolf Hold, Raven Hold, Serpent Hold, and Hawk Hold. From these holds the legions of the Sianae impose order on the land.

The ruined city of Salvi stands across the Strait of Salvi on its own island. It is widely reputed to be haunted by strange creatures and the restless spirits of its former citizens. It is reputed to have been a dead city since before The Scattering.

There are two towers of wizardry in Sianae: Tower Anvere, north of Dansam, and Tower Athanasius, within the walls of Siannis.

History

Siannis emerged as a rival city-state to Tarsas during the same period after The Scattering. Since this period, the two nations have striven against each other and have yet developed in parallel manners.

Both emerged with merged governmental and theocratic structures. Both expanded to nationhood at roughly the same rate and rule roughly the same land area. And both were thwarted in empire building by the rise of the Acheran Empire and the cyclical nature of their governments.

In the case of Sianae, period of expansion occurred during a period in which the Dragon was dominant and conquest and war became part of everyday life. The legions of the Dragon swept northward toward modern Eacenia. They were contained by the powerful forces of the Tarsians to their south/southeast and were poised to sweep across through the fractured forces of the not-yet-united Eacenian knights when the cycle turned. The Raven took control of the central government and the Dragon legions were disbanded. Pietro Domane, the Raven King, ruled that fortune did not favor further expansion and held the line at the River Yeran, where the Sianaen border still stands.

Laws and Governance

Power in Sianae is governed by the turning of the cycle of what is known as the Greater Pantheon. The Greater Pantheon are the eight animal-based gods that rule over all human lives.

• Zhyor the Dragon (Chaotic Evil)
• Imtiau the Raven (Chaotic Neutral)
• Ragane the Lion (Chaotic Good)
• Hurir the Horse (Neutral Good)
• Charad the Phoenix (Lawful Good)
• Arkal the Hawk (Lawful Neutral)
• Samal the Wolf (Lawful Evil)
• Urskil the Serpent (Neutral Evil)

Each faction (Dragon, Phoenix, etc.) rules as monarch for 8 generations before the cycle turns again (though there have been occasions where the Cycle is “turned” because the current faction has no heir to take the throne). Each noble house has devoted themselves to a particular faction. Ascendancy within the factions is determined by each faction individually.

Of course, the temples associated with the Ascendant church directly benefit from the change of cycle—and pay the costs of that change when in decline.

Thus, Sianae is a unique theocratic monarchy. As such, the practice of other religions is prohibited within Sianae.

Hawk is currently ascendant in the Cycle (508 AT). The Hawk Queen Lukesa Verel rules a peaceful, orderly kingdom where rule of law reigns supreme.

Economy

Sianae exports a great deal of spices, wines, and oils, as well as timber. Unfortunately, they have very few domestic supplies of minerals and thus they must import such commodities as iron, steel, and tin. They have chilly relations with their Tarsian, but do trade with the Eacenians and other northern nations for these precious materials.

Money System

*CP = Copper Piece, SP = Silver Piece, GP = Gold Piece, and PP = Platinum Piece

Ethnic Groups

The Sianaeans are a fairly homogeneous people with very little immigration coming in from neighboring countries. They are an insular people with a culturally-focused religion. Occasionally one can find Eacenians or even Tarsians there, but these examples are always noteworthy.

Racial Characteristics

Most Sianaen folk are of the Southron persuasion, with dark features. The Sianae of the Tarsian border region tend toward similar features to their neighbors. Northwestern Sianae tend to be of lighter skin and eye, tending more toward Midron features.

Languages

The most prominent language is Sianaen, though Tradespeak is used extensively as is Tarsian. Eacenian is sometimes heard in the border regions.

Popular Names

• Noble houses
  • Dragon : Giavenco, Marzocco, Nastagio, Salvestri, Zhyorce
  • Raven : Alchero, Belfanta, Domane, Drudolda, Imtiaa
  • Lion : Aighina, Bando, Ciriaco, Lazcero, Raganini
  • Horse : Demorna, Huriro, Ignacce, Savell, Vecce
  • Phoenix : Avanzo, Charadi, Erbetto, Labracce, Navegero
  • Hawk : Arkale, Giotcce, Maffeo, Tedicce, Verel
  • Wolf : Altieri, Darcce, Moretto, Samalle, Volpi
  • Serpent : Castano, Fresse, Lecreri, Odilo, Urskili

• Male: Alesso, Bastiano, Folco, Lando, Ranero, Ulfilas, Vieri, Iacopo Ugo

• Female : Amata, Lukesa, Cecca, Marina, Riccia, Scarlata, Sifa, Tedescha, Verona, Ymilia

Religions

The Sianaen Pantheon is a complex political and religious cycle that governs the lives of all Sianaens.

Power in Sianae is governed by the turning of the cycle of what is known as the Greater Pantheon. The Greater Pantheon are the eight animal-based gods that rule over all human lives.

• Zhyor the Dragon (Chaotic Evil)
• Imtiau the Raven (Chaotic Neutral)
• Ragane the Lion (Chaotic Good)
• Hurir the Horse (Neutral Good)
• Charad the Phoenix (Lawful Good)
• Arkal the Hawk (Lawful Neutral)
• Samal the Wolf (Lawful Evil)
• Urskil the Serpent (Neutral Evil)

The Lesser Pantheon is made up of various heroes and demi-gods that appear in the legends of Sianae. Some popular figures include:

• Leolo the Lucky
• Omodeo the Strong-Armed
• Meliore the Beautiful
• Tedescha the Oathbreaker
• Pellario the Chaste

Political power in Sianae is tied to the turning of the great Cycle of the Greater Pantheon (or the Cycle). Each faction (Dragon, Phoenix, etc.) rules as monarch for 8 generations before the cycle turns again (though there have been occasions where the Cycle is “turned” because the current faction has no heir to take the throne). Each noble house has devoted themselves to a particular faction. Ascendancy within the factions is determined by each faction individually.

Of course, the temples associated with the Ascendant church directly benefit from the change of cycle—and pay the costs of that change when in decline.

Sorcery and Wizardry

Sorcery and Wizardry are viewed with a great deal of tolerance during most reigns in Sianae. There are two Towers of Wizardry within the country, one within the city walls itself. The degree of tolerance, of course, varies upon the cycle and the manifestation of that tolerance varies with acts committed by magic.

Culture

Sianaens tend to be passionate people, prone to excitable reactions, and robust conversation. They are a colorful people with a colorful culture.

Music

Sianaen music is bright and snappy, with lots of horns and pipes.

Cuisine

Sianaen cuisine is world-renowned for its strong flavors and robust sensibilities. Many dishes are savory, without being too spiced. Dates, figs, and grape leaves enter heavily into the cuisine, as do goat and fish.

Weapons and Armor

Sianaen helmets are distinctive with their high, colorful, plumed ridges. Different colors and positions denote rank. Weapons are very straightforward in design, with little in the way of ornamentation.

Clothing

Sianaen fashion is very colorful, with men wearing long tunics and high boots—both heavily embroidered for the wealthy and noble. Women tend to wear fashionable, low-cut dresses or of revealing—though not TOO revealing—fabrics. Men and women wear their hair long and men tend to be clean shaven—or wear thin, close-cropped beards.