Location
The central lands of Sidheon are open plains, brushland, and rolling gentle hills. Surrounding the central portions are ancient forests, mysterious lakes, wilderness hills and plains, full of abandoned keeps and ancient stone circles, indicating a shared history with the followers of The Old Faith. The rugged Skalteran and Karakian mts form the western edge of the kingdom’s territory, while the Moonreach and Abyssian lakes border it to the north. A narrow strip of land between the Istian Hills and the elven forests leads to the town of Highport, and the Savahge Coast. This narrow strip of land, called the Tuathan Approach, is patrolled by Sidheon, Highport, and along its southern edge, by the elves of Averoigne.
History
The main area of the Tuathan Feudal Kingdoms (including Sidheon and Vallista) were formed by human Tuathan and Korsic people fleeing an unnatural disaster from the south. The elves of Averoigne welcomed the refuges and helped them in their migration northward through elven lands to the central open area of Sidheon today. During their migration, they picked up many customs and philosophies from the elves, such as a natural reverence for the land, and combined them with their own ways. For most of the inhabitants of Sidheon this way of living continues to this day.
Culture
The culture of Sidheon is a medieval-gaelic mixture. Important buildings and large portions of cities are made of stone, while towns and villages are mainly built from wood. Trees, ponds, and fountains, to include household gardens are a large part of the communities aesthetic.
Clothing in Sidheon is mainly plain shirts, pants, or skirts, of all colors for day to day living and work. Dresses and finer clothes are worn for holidays, while nobles, important people, and the well-to-do clothe themselves in expensive finery. Jewelry is an important aspect of clothing and life style.
There is no slavery allowed in Sidheon, although travelers from areas where it is legal (Anguis Imperium) are allowed to maintain a few personal "servants". In Sidheon, servants and workers may work where and with whom they chose, negotiating things such as pay, food, and lodging with their employer as they see fit. Their is no commitment to ongoing work unless either side incurs a debt to the other, in which case the courts would determine a solution. Hereditary servants are common however, and carry much prestige with their families and employers.
Weapons preferred by the kingdom of Sidheon are the longsword, broadsword, and scimitar. The longsword and scimitar are the most popular as the broadsword is considered an archaic style weapon. Most common weapons are available, along with the sickle and the gauntlet sword, and the longbow. Metal armor is preferred, ranging from chain shirt to plate armor. Shields are common, as are bucklers.
The religion of Sidheon is a mix of older Tuathan beliefs and elven paragons incorporated into the the faith. Tuathan Church. The Tuathan faith has also been influenced by the remnants of The Old Faith that preexisted in the area where they finally settled down.
Sidheon is part of the Tuathan Feudal Kingdoms, and is also the largest of the kingdoms in the confederation. Thus, the nominal "High King" of the feudal kingdoms is the king of Sidheon. This has been the case for nearly all the regions history, with only momentary exceptions during various power struggles and civil wars. Each of the kingdoms prides itself on its independence, considering themselves sovereigns among equals, while acknowledging the leadership of Sidheon.
Organizations
Bardic Colleges
The Bardic Colleges of Sidheon are famous as the centers of lore and learning throughout the region. The colleges are home to various factions that train students according to their philosophies and ideals. Most of the students at the colleges are there for either specialized study or general knowledge, as it is a mark of prestige to have studied at such a colleges. Those that qualify and are accepted into the bardic course are considered Bards, and are granted a lot of honor and influence in Sidheon society. "Non may slay a bard, a bard may expect shelter and food, etc."
Circle of Dreams
The most common circle of druids in the area of Sidheon is the Circle of Dreams. This druids are fairly commonly seen and encountered by the people of Sidheon, as they tend to both the wild places and the health of the natural world. They are accepted by nearly all folk, and are close allies of the fey, sometimes including actual fey in their order.
Circle of Stars
Circle of stars druids are a more reclusive order of druids, studying the stars and the planets for their secrets. They are both seers of the future and keepers of ancient knowledge. Although their order is secretive and reserved, they have been known to send representatives of their circle to various kings and courts throughout the land.
Militant Orders of the Tuathan Church
Current Events
The kingdom of Sidheon is currently at peace. There have been rumors of gnolls massing out in the wilderness to the west, but so far scouts show nothing out of the ordinary.
Some of the kingdoms pushing the borders of the Tuathan Feudal Kingdoms towards the north and the east of current "borders" are claiming a lack of support from the mainlands, even though they were warned about the dangers of the wilderness, coastal bandit lands, and the perils of encroaching upon hobgoblin kingdom of Chadevar.
There are also worries that the lands of Valista may be considering declaring their independence and leaving the Feudal Kingdoms. Official communication between the two lands indicate that this is merely ongoing rumor, mainly due to some inhabitants of Vallista having the opinion that their culture and way of life is more advanced then that of Sidheon, who remains stuck in the past.