Sipria

Map of Sipria (green) within Eredus

Siprian flag (left) and coat of arms (right)

the **Princedom of** **Sipria** *(Imsantian; Imjalusorum Siprium)* is a princedom and tributary of the Santian Empire, located in the continent of Votierrus. It is situated south of Fannoria and Santium, and east of Vallia in the Kaziyib plain. The princedom is divided into 3 provinces, and it's capital (and largest city) is Ibila. The country has a population of 7,650, primarily of Siprian ethnicity.

Sipria is considered to be an insignificant nation in terms of power since it gained independence from the Alfarian Empire in the year 325. It's economy relies primarily on agriculture, with nearly half of it's population consisting of farmers. There is also a sizeable fishing industry in Sipria, and an iron ore mine.

## History

### Early Settlement (~500 b.h-21 a.h)

###### Yehedic Settlement

The region was first settled by the tribe of Yehed over 800 years ago. The region was sparsely populated with very few notable settlements, other than Ibchal on the island of Ibilib.

###### Early Siprians

Around the year 200 b.h, the area was conquered and settled by the Empire of Alfaria. The Alfarian conquerors intermixed with the local Yehedis over the next couple of centuries, eventually resulting in a distinct people group from both the Yehedic and Alfarian people. They became known as Siprians, which is Alfarian for 'southern people'. Despite the significant Yehedic influence on the Siprians, they were members of the Onavallum faith, imposed by the Alfarian Empire at the time. Larger settlements were built from 200-50 b.h, including the city of Ibila. By the year 100 b.h, it is estimated that the Siprians numbered as many as three thousand.

### Alfarian Subject of Sipria (21-260)

###### House of Izana

In the year 21 a.h, amid rising differences between the Siprians and their Alfarian overlords, Alfarian emperor Enguz Merzapa granted autonomy to the southern region. He met with a Siprian military commander, named Uzug Izana. Uzug was to be granted the title as Prince of Sipria, so long as he remained loyal to the emperor. Uzug gracefully accepted the title, and was the *de facto* ruler of Sipria.

###### Uzug Dynasty

The reign of Uzug I was marked by his unwavering loyalty to the Alfarian Empire, including in the Alfaro-Santian War of 34, in which he sent many Siprian soldiers to fight in. He is also known for commissioning the construction of the *Aballus lo Balteo* church in Ibila, and the royal palace of Izana. He died in 55 of natural causes, being succeeded by his eldest son, Uzug II.

Uzug II inherited a stable political situation from his father, and continued his due loyalty to the Alfarian Empire. During his time as prince, he continued large construction projects, and expanded the Siprian army. His reign was rather short lived, however, dying in the year 65 at age 28, of Noric fever. His eldest son was only 10 years old, and would inherit the throne regardless, under close supervision from the nobles in the House of Izana.

Uzug III was just 10 upon being crowned Prince of Sipria, but did not garner his responsibility until reaching the age of 18. During his long reign, Uzug III was accused of being a despot and tyrant. As the vast majority of Sipria's population was suffering from disease and famine in the year 77, Uzug III continued to disregard the situation and mismanage state funds, becoming richer in the process. Between the years 77 and 100, Sipria experienced 8 deadly famines, resulting in the deaths of over 2000 people. He was eventually assassinated in the year 101 by his son, Uzug IV, with the support of both the Siprian nobles and masses. Uzug IV was in turn crowned as the 4th prince of Sipria.

Uzug IV was considered to be one of the greatest princes in Siprian history. Upon watching disgracefully at the reign of his father, Uzug IV sought to be a prince of virtue and restore prosperity to Sipria. He worked tirelessly on increasing agricultural output, and rooting out corruption in the higher estates. During his reign, Sipria experienced lasting and stable peace, with no major riots or famines. He died in the year 120 of natural causes, being succeeded by his cousin, Kalyb I.

## Geography

### Terrain

Sipria is positioned on the southern regions of the Kaziyib plains, an arid grassland region in Votierrus. In the north of the country, it is very dry, with slightly more temperate regions along the coast and in the south, near Ramakul, Zutrul, and on the island of Ibilib. These conditions make it difficult for farming in the drier regions.

### Climate

Most of Sipria enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from as low as 10°C in the winter to as high as 40°C in the summer. Average precipitation is 3cm. Snowfall is extremely rare.

## Government

Since the fall of the Alfarian Empire, the Prince of Sipria has held independent rule over the country, under the House of Izana. Sipria is an absolute monarchy.

Sipria is divided into 3 provinces, each ruled by a Lord, all of which belonging to the House of Izana. The provinces are as follows:

* Ibilib Province (capital)
* Akuta Province
* Zutrul Province

### Military

The Royal Army of Sipria is responsible for Sipria's defense. It is divided into two units, one for the garrison of Ibila, and one for the garrison of Akuta. It numbers just 280 conscripts in total. Despite having a rather sizeable coastline, Sipria has had no real naval force since the Santian conquest of Votierrus.

## Economy

Much of the Siprian population struggles with extreme poverty, with the average annual income of just ₾225. The entire nation has a gross domestic product of roughly ₾1,721,250, 10% of which is given to the Empire of Santium yearly as tribute. Over 40% of the population are involved in agriculture, being the most common profession. Other industries include fishing, iron ore extraction, and textile manufacturing.

### Production

**(kg/year)**

* Grain: 107,000
* Iron: 43,000
* Fish: 42,000
* Fruit: 41,500
* Vegetables: 39,000
* Meat: 38,500
* Dairy: 32,400
* Timber: 25,000
* Linen: 20,000
* Stone: 10,000
* Copper: 1,000
* Silver: 0
* Gold: 0

## Demographics

### Religion

Roughly 96 percent of Siprian citizens are practitioners of the Onavallum religion. Many important churches were built in Sipria during the times of the Alfarian Empire, including the *Aballus lo Balteo* church in Ibila. The only other religious community in Sipria are the Yehedis, who have some small communities, including in Ibchal, on the island of Ibilib.

### Ethnicities

The vast majority of Sipria's citizens are of Siprian ethnicity (~88%). Other large groups include Fannorians, Yehedis, and Vallians. The large Fannorian population is attributed to the days of the Alfarian Empire, when many Fannorian nobles and military officers settled in Sipria after fulfilling their conscription requirement.

### Settlements

#### Ibilib Province

* Ibila (capital): 2,450
* Ibchal: 100

#### Akuta Province

* Akuta: 450
* Uzuma: 200
* Ramakul: 150
* Nanaguz: 150

#### Zutrul Province

* Zutrul: 350
* Gazima: 150
* Ereza: 100