Siarland
Siarland is the region on the southern side of the Khelreach Range, spanning from the Bergshale River in the East to the Free City of Cymara in the west.
Geography
The region boasts a temperate climate, with rolling, pictuersque meadows rolling out between the Khelreach Range and the sea, often punctuated by dense Pine Forests.
Ecosystem
The forests of Siarland boast some of the oldest individual trees on the continent with some trees pre-dating The Human Rebellion on the northern continent. The locations of these ancient importations are carefully guarded by full-blood elves and members of the council to ensure their survival from logging, poaching, and acts of terror during The Human Rebellion due to their symbolism of Elven reign. Shorter lived species such as the Silvan Pine, which is still commonly found in The South, are cultivated by The Conclave into ornamental household additions by using magic to simulate high wind and altitude environments which naturally cause the Silvan Pine to take on its prostrate form. Species that are frequently attributed to the dense pine forests of these regions also includes berries such as silvan berries, raspberries and blueberries, as well multiple species of lichen with potential psychoactive effects alongside magical properties. Bears frequently consume the species of berry according to availability and have been known to make a nuisance of themselves upon accidental consumption of lichen. Some research has shown that adequate dosage of lichen may lend to encouraging them to become beasts of burden.
The mountains of Khelreach are predominately siliceous with some presence of calcareous deposits along its range, forming granitic outcrops with some limestone present throughout. Endemic species of the mountain range include the Hautblanche, a rare soft-petalled white daisy that grows on steep cliff overhangs in the gravel. Locals say that to pick this flower and present it to a loved one is a greater declaration of adoration than even marriage due to the precarious nature of picking the flower.
Lower down the peaks, tussocked grasses and herbaceous shrubs become more prominent and are grazed upon by native species of long-haired goat and hares. Some attempt was made to domesticate the goats to harvest their fibre for textile production, but the coarse nature of the hair and seemingly gravity-defying nature of the goats led Elven settlers to discard the project. These in turn are predated upon by the Khelreachean Lynx, an increasingly rare creature which has been subjected to hunting by the Reichguard on the Eastern most extent of its natural range. Some historical documents note that for a time dwarves had also been known to harvest them for their livers to cure impotence before they were deemed toxic in large quantities.
Alpine fed streams flow into hilly areas surrounding the mountain peaks where meadows grow lush. The streams are naturally low turbidity, and high alkalinity and with few native species of benthic feeding fish and plants, leading the area to have a pure, clean almost silvery appearance. Speculation exists as to the nature of the species inhabiting these streams, as pools that are fed by these waters interestingly are attributed to fae folk or magic. One story tells of a woman that swallowed a silver fish in the pool, only to give birth to a creature with the body of a beautiful woman with thick seaweed for hair and the tail of a fish. This creature was said to have escaped into the Roinnteoir river and made it to the sea. Some species of trout and other insectivorous fish has been noted with a presence of native shrimps and crayfish maintaining water clarity. During spring and summer seasons, these regions are known locally as “LePre du Ciel” or Heaven’s Meadows for the bright flowers and dense populations of wild bees. Domestic species of cattle for meat and dairy are maintained on these naturally rich pastures during the warmer periods of the year. While aurochs were not present on this continent prior to domestication into cattle, full-blooded elves do have stories on the southern continent of their existence and as such an attempt has been made by the Conclave to selectively breed the auroch back from extinction on the northern continent.
During autumn, the deciduous oaks and beech trees turn an amber colour while the much denser pine forests remain green. Thick mats of moss and liverworts cover the deciduous forest floor and maintain many species of amphibians and insects throughout the colder winter months while birds, bears and badgers will sometimes use this moss to line their burrows and nests during hibernation.
Deer have been sighted on occasion throughout these forest edges feeding on the meadow grasses where possible. Populations of wolves are still present and are considered a threat especially during the winter months when deer numbers decline. These wolves are seemingly present all along from the coast to the Khelreach mountains. They are larger than other wolves found on either continent and the howling winds that echo through the caverns and onto the mountain top are attributed to them by the dwarves. Some attempt has been made to trap these wolves to better study them, but live specimens are frequently able to break chains intended to bind them. Trade deals for dwarven made bindings are often discussed but impossible materials are required for manufacture.
History
Siarland was first settled by the Half-Elf dynasty of the House of Eleras in 3998EA. King Eleran of Lorintha allowed the newly minted cadet branch of his family to settle Southern Siarland uninterrupted, forming the Kingdom of Farraige for the Half Elves of the Western Colonies.
Additionally, a cohort of elven scholars would settle the far western Cuan Peninsula with the intent of establishing an institute of knowledge, culminating in the creation of The Siar Conclave.
Alternative Name(s)
Siar, Greater Farraige (To Farragians)
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