Tuatha de Danaan
Basic Information
Anatomy
Of the Faerie peoples, the Tuatha de Danaan most closely resemble the Bediz, largely indistinguishable in terms of physical anatomy. They possess similar skeletal, muscular and cardiovascular systems, and typically possess 2 arms, and 2 legs, each ending in hands and feet of 5 digits.
Biological Traits
Unseelie Tuatha de Danaan are cold to the touch, as if they have been standing outside on a winter's night, even when the day is warm. The Seelie have the opposite effect, exuding a slight amount of heat from their skin. Tuatha de Danaan males are typically described as androgynous.
Genetics and Reproduction
Natural birth among the Tuatha de Danaan is rare, with sexual intercourse rarely resulting in conception. Successful childbirth is even rarer, resulting in stillbirths or the mother dying in labour. Sidhe children, when they do survive, are often sickly and weak for some time, further compounding the troublingly llow birth rate among their people.
It is widely surmised that the The Tear is at least partially responsible for this genetic problem, a rumor that has led to hostility by many Tuatha against the Bediz. To counteract this pitfall, Tuatha often will rely on the introduction of new bloodlines to their species, typically achieved by taking lovers from among the Bediz, Those exposed to large quantities of Faerie magic either in massive bursts or over longer periods of time gradually become Sidhe themselves, taking on the traits of the Sidhe, often becoming Milliget in the process as an intermediary step. These individuals, while gaining many of the traits of the Sidhe they have a connection with, are less likely to possess the same fertility concerns, and are seen as essential to returning the beleaguered Tuatha de Danaan and other Sidhe species to a healthy existence.
The Tuatha de Danaan also highly prize, to the point of kidnapping, Bediz Midwives. Natural Tuatha de Danaan birth is seen as similar to Bediz birth, and the experience of the midwives is considered essential for the successful delivery of a Sidhe infant.
Growth Rate & Stages
The Tuatha de Danaan do not age and little is known about their natural-born, understandably heavily guarded. That does not make them immortal, and they can be killed by violence and disease, such as the Shivers. A Tuatha de Danaan who dies undergoes a strange transformation, with their body calcifying to resemble a marble statue after death. These are typically placed mausoleums and in places of honor. Sidhe killed with iron do not undergo this process and instead become susceptible to decay and rot. It is believed that this corruption interrupts or severs the natural cycle of reincarnation.
Ecology and Habitats
Like many Faerie peoples. the Tuatha de Danaan are most typically draw to liminal spaces between two states of being (E.G. mountains (between land and sky) and Islands (between Land and Sea)), although this is to a significantly lesser extent than the continental Korrigan.
For the most part, the Tuatha de Danaan live in similar locales and climates to the Bediz, but exhibit a wider tolerance for extreme weather, operating without issue in areas that would be deemed inhospitable to their mundane counterparts, such as ice fields or mountaintops.
The Tuatha de Danaan, like many Sidhe make ample use of extra-dimensional pockets, creating structures that are larger in their interior dimensions and complexities than their outward appearance and dimensions would seem to allow. It is not uncommon for a Sidhe dwelling to outwardly resemble a one room cottage or earthen mound, only for an entire mansion behind the door. Using this extra-dimensional space allows the Eladan to construct large and open neighborhoods in otherwise restrained places, such as in the alleyways between buildings or within Tumuli. They are less restrained in their habitation locales than the Korrigan, and typically reside in open terrain similar to that of the Bediz.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Tuatha de Danaan are capable of consuming both physical sustenance and Foyson, allowing them to dine comfortably in a variety of circumstances. It is theorized that the Tuatha possess an internal organ that converts physical sustenance into magical foyson. This, combined with a robust agricultural tradition, leads the Eladan to rely less on the raiding tactics of their Korrigan cousins.
While capable of eating most of what the Bediz consume, and often conform to regional custom, staples of the Eladan diet traditionally consist of mutton, potatoes, bacon, cabbage, beef and fish. Like many fae diets, it is important to note that the consumption of foyson, while making food look and smell delicious, may not carry the same nutritional value for Bediz and may have harmful effects.
Biological Cycle
Upon reaching physical maturity, Sidhe do not age, but rather exist in a state of temporal limbo. It is interesting to note that these forms do not seem to correspond with Bediz expectations, with different individuals attaining the appearance of a large variety of age group appearances. (Compare this to the development of the Marie-Morgane, who as a species appear set in the same general age range). As a result, a fully grown Tuatha de Danaan can appear young or wizened, but this bears little to no relation to their actual age. The majority of Sidhe exist in a timeless state of early to mid adulthood, possessing supernatural beauty and fair features.
Tuatha de Danaan are magical creatures, often tied to the passage of the Seasons and associated with either the Court of Summer or Winter. During Summerrule, a Winter court, or Unseelie, may feel stifled, lethargic and depressed, gaining energy, vitality and magical power during Winterrule. A Seelie, or Summer, Fae experiences the opposite effect. The strength of magical Druidect ability is the most directly affected aspect, although in extreme cases, some individuals will appear to age and de-age throughout the course of a cycle. This latter effect is less pronounced or even negligible in Tuatha de Danaan living in Bedouar, and seems to vanish entirely after a certain time among this group.
Additional Information
Social Structure
On the scale of solitary to trouping, the Chidren of Danu tend heavily towards the latter, establishing large courts and settlements with complex hierarchical stratification. As a result, Sidhe tend to live in populated settlements with tight social cores, rather that in solitude.
The exact nature of this stratification is difficult to comprehend to outsiders, and for the Eladan to explain. It appears to be based on a combination of Arkane power and prowess, seniority, familial connections and merit. While fairly regimented, social mobility is common in both directions.
The political influence exerted by the courts, and individuals within them, waxes and wanes with the seasons, switching off at specified points in a year.
Facial characteristics
The most notable feature distinguishing Eladan from Bediz is their ears, which are larger and significantly longer, tapering to a point. These dagger-like ears stick out from their heads at an almost horizontal angle. These ears can move slightly reacting to the emotions and mental state of their owners.
Tuatha de Danaan possess delicate, sculpted features,
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Originating in the Fortunate Isles, the Tuatha de Danaan quickly spread to Albia and Armorica following the Tear, emigrating further as the centuries passed, establishing large population centers across Kornôgel and even into Alkebulan. While still largely found in the Northern realms of Logres, Letha, Normandi and Akitainia, Eladan can be found from Fjallkonan to Iram of the Pillars, a range equal to that of the Bediz.
Average Intelligence
While they identify themselves as more intelligent than the Bediz or Korrigan, in reality the Eladan are on par with these other peoples, although their longevity allows them to master a great deal of skills and information, and are capable of abstract thought in some cases broader than the more time-restricted Bediz.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Tuatha de Danaan possess senses beyond those of the Bediz, honed from like in the "crisp" reality of Faerie. They pride themselves on superior sight, hearing and taste, although many claim that the nature of Bedouar itself is "smothering" to these senses and reduces their efficacy, like staring into a fog or operating on a hot and humid day.
It is unclear if this claim is empty speculation or produces a measurable effect, but its repetition is widespread, and its veracity is certainly believed by the Tuatha de Danaan themselves. Regardless of the supposed heights their senses have in Faerie, Tuatha senses often, but not always, surpass those of the average Bediz.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
On a cultural level, Tuatha de Danaan revere names as an important concept and aspect of a personality, equivalent in importance to a soul. Names are crucial to the identity and intimate knowledge of an entity, and as such, knowledge of them extends great power over the entity named. This is so important that Fis, an entire branch of Sidhe Arkane is devoted to the knowledge and study of names.
The Tuatha consider a name to be an evolving and expanding concept. While a small pond may have only a few names, a great ocean encompassing many lands has many, both official and personal, and with those names specific concepts and aspects. An ocean is greater in scope and importance than a pond, but true understanding of it is more difficult. So too it is with the names of an individual.
It is common for Tuatha de Danaan to possess more than one name, in addition to bynames, epithets and nicknames, and many will never reveal their true, or at least full name, going by monikers (e.g.The Morrigan), nicknames, or only fractions of their true name.
Major Organizations
The Tuatha de Danaan are a heavily regimented society, typically splitting themselves into Courts representing their innate traits and allegiances. The largest, and most important of these are the Courts of Summer and Winter, powerful organizations representing and overseeing Summerrule and Winterrule respectively. Since the Calamity of Tara, the two Courts have been in conflict, shifting between open fighting and a cold war mentality.
Unseelie - The Court of Winter
- Ruled by the Morrigan, this Court represents Winterrule. The Unseelie court is associated with the Winter, night, death, ice, and cold, giving them a reputation among the Bediz for wickedness and mischief. Among the Sidhe, these traits are seen as vital to the balance of the world. Although seen as odd to outsiders, fire and rebirth is also considered within the domain of the Unseelie.Seelie - The Court of Summer
- Ruled by Gloriana , this Court represents Summerrule. The Seelie court is associated with the Summer, daylight, light, growth, flora, storms and warmth, giving them a positive reputation among the Bediz, although the Unseelie are quick to point out the negative aspects that accompany these, as well as the positives of their own domains. In addition to the two Courts, the Golden Citadel of Tír na nÓg, under the command of Manannán mac Lir, the King of Sea holds a great deal of sway, operating as the independent military of Emain Ablach. Largely autonomous from the inner politics of the Court, the Golden Citadel represents an unified front for the Sidhe people against outsiders. The Ar Chase Gouez (The Wild Hunt), ruled by the Sidhe lord Hellequin exists outside of the Courts as well, a wild and unpredictable entity, a reputation that has only grown since the tear.Beauty Ideals
The Eladan are a vain people, placing an emphasis on physical beauty, measured by clarity of the skin, vibrancy of color and symmetry of features. While these are naturally possessed, they are often accentuated with glamour, proving a shine to hair, glow to skin and a sparkle to the eyes.
Vibrant hair and eye colours and youthful energy are prized by the Eladan amongst themselves and other species.
Gender Ideals
Female Eladan are significantly more common than males, the latter of which are often described as androgynous, possessing features typically associated with females. While markers of distinct biological sex is found in the species, it is unclear that the Tuatha de Danaan had a concept of binary gender, prior to introduction to the Bediz. In Sidhe linguistics, these terms are typically described using Bediz terminology, supporting this theory. Tuatha de Danaan has self-assigned themselves gender, it seems, largely out of convenience in dealing with Bediz and Fomorii. However, they have a firmer grasp of the concept of biological sex than the Poulpiquet. Aside from these interactions, concepts of biological sex and gender seem to be largely reserved for the notion of Sovereignty.
Courtship Ideals
Tuatha de Danaan operate under a energetic courtship process, showering a prospective partner with attention and lavish gifts.
Relationship Ideals
The Tuatha de Danaan are typically passionate, but fickle creatures, engaging in whirlwind romances that burn brightly, but fizzle quickly, growing bored and moving on to other passions. This is daunting and disheartening to Bediz at the receiving end of Sidhe attentions, the dramatic shifts in commitment and interest confusing, difficult to process and damaging to the health and self-worth of a receiving partner, finding themselves the center of the universe one day and ignored the next. In extreme cases, having been spirited away to Faerie, a Bediz lover finds themselves all but abandoned in a strange world.
The Advent of Time Madness has changed this dynamic somewhat, creating a side effect of more focused and contentious Eladan capable of maintaining more stable and long term relationships with others. These individuals are also prone to more self-doubt and emotional instability themselves as a result of this condition as well.
Average Technological Level
The technological level of the Eladan is one of the highest and most complex in Alvez, surpassing and then supplementing that of the Bediz. Advances include prosthetics of living silver, energy-infused weaponry and automated technology.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The native language of the Tuatha de Danaan is Gaeilge, spoken on Emain Ablach. Other major languages include Kernewek (the language of Logres), Brezhoneg (the language of Letha) and Norrǿna (the language of Orkney). The Eladan are skilled linguists and it is common for individuals to be polyglots, fluent in several languages.
Common Etiquette Rules
A majority of Tuatha customs are based on a concept of exchange and debt, with strict rules about what can and cannot be given or received. For example:
Upon being introduced, a Tuatha de Danaan must respond with an equivalently formal name to that given. For example, a nickname merits a nickname in response, while a given name and surname prompts the same in response. Interestingly, a false name given does not trigger this response, allowing an individual Tuatha de Danaan to identify this fact and respond accordingly. A Tuatha de Danaan will never supply their own name first, under any circumstances.
A Tuatha de Danaan cannot provide gifts or services without receiving something in return. While this has given them a reputation as mercenary and selfish, it is enforced with an ere-hud and is treated as being of the utmost importance. Likewise, they should not be thanked for a service freely given, as this creates an imbalance of debt. Acknowledgement of their kindness is appreciated, but thanks are seen as diluting their altrusim and may create the appearance of imbalanced debt. This imbalance, called a "laying" is considered a grievous insult, often worthy of shunning the offender or exacting retribution.
The exchange of goods is to be conducted on concepts of equal value, defined on a subjective basis. In Tuatha de Danaan economics, a gold coin is worth less to a wealthy man than a starving peasant, while a loaf of bread is worth more than a golden coin to the peasant. This metric, precise to the Tuathe de Danaan, comes across as arbitrary and demanding to Bediz observers. However, The Eladan consider that what they are giving must be equal in value, even if that is not clear to an outsider.
Common Dress Code
The Eladan prefer light garments, typically of shimmering silk-like fabric. The ingredients, and indeed creation of these materials is unclear, containing such colourfully described components as "the sun-kissed dew on a spider's web on a spring morning" and "the warmth of warm sand on bare feet." How these are created in unknown, but their effects are reported by those who wear them.
Light, flowing garments and lavish ornamentation with finely smithed precious metals is preferred and the Eladan possess much of the same jewelry taste as the Bediz, in addition to "ear caps" gold, silver and bronze caps placed over the tips of their ears.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Eladan are a proud race, favouring strict etiquette and politeness. They demand respect and typically respond in kind.
Fae morality is difficult for Bediz, with often set ideals of wrong and right, to understand, and the Tuatha de Danaan in particular are often labled as amoral. In reality, however, Eladan society is structured on a complex system of balance and debt. This is further distanced from Bediz morality by the inability of most Eladan to comprehend the nature of causality, resulting in a lack of empathy for more temporally bound races.
The Rule of Three: A question or request, made with the Eladan's name must be responded to, truthfully. This does not guarantee results, and the full truth can be omitted or the request fulfilled in an unexpected way, but a response must be given. In general, the Tuatha de Danaan do not lie outright, but have no qualms omitting or obfuscating the full truth or misleading another. The Eladan, especially those skilled in Amainsecht are quite skilled at finding loopholes and arguing points.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Tuatha de Danaan value festivals as important social events, marking Kala-Hañv, Kalan Goañv, Emwalc'h and Gouel-Eost as well as Nedeleg, which is specific to the Unseelie.
Tuatha de Danaan on the continent sleep in beds suspended by four cords.
Common Taboos
In addition to restrictions on the accumulation of debt (see above) the Tuatha de Danaan are subject to a variety of other taboos and Ere-Hud. While individuals may have additional personal or magical taboos, there are some universals, including:
Iron-Ban: All Tuatha de Danaan possess a strong, potentially fatal allergy to cold iron, a result of the curse of the Fir Bolg. When touched, Iron emits a burning cold, similar to severe frostbite, with the prolonged effects similar to those of first, second and third degree burns. Iron drains the druidecht of an individual, and leaves them cold, weakened and drained. Ingesting Iron is almost universally fatal, and is thought to potentially disrupt the cycle of reincarnation. Execution by Irondrink is considered a barbaric cruelty.
History
The Tuatha de Danaan claim descendency from the goddess Danu, their name translating to "People of Dana" to reflect this important connection. Among the Sidhe, the Tuatha de Danaan are also referred to as Clann Eladan, to avoid confusion with other groups who claim their own connection to, or contest the Tuatha de Danaan's connection to, this maternal goddess.
Lacking a written language, and indeed an understanding of causality for most of their existence, little is known of the Eladan before their arrival on the island of Emain Ablach. The Tuatha fleet arrived from the North in ships shrouded in storm clouds, led by the semi-mythical founder Nemed and King Nuada Airgetlám. It is not clear where the ships departed from, as no earlier trace of Eladan settlement can be found in the Fortunate Isles. It is thought that the Tempestarii may have been part of the Tuatha de Danaan at this time, extending the possibility that other Sidhe peoples may have been as well. While their origin is unknown, what is understood is that upon arriving on the island, the fleet was set alight, preventing any from returning whence they came. All records of the earlier settlement were destroyed in the fires.
Arriving in the Northeast of the island, the settlers quickly established the 4 provinces of Murias, Gorias, Findias and Falias, with a fifth province in the center of the country reserved for the gods. Their settlement attempts came into conflict with the Fir Bolg, a mysterious race inhabiting the island. Skilled in the Arkane and martial tactics, the Eladan armies fought the Fir Bolg to a standstill, until an alliance with the seafaring Fomorians from the Orkney Isles tipped the scales. The Fir Bolg were finally defeated, after a long and drawn out campaign, at the First Battle of Magh Tuireadh. The Eladan did not emerge unscathed, with Nuada losing an arm, and therefore his right to rule, as well as a terrible Ere-Hud that transformed the iron that brought the Eladan victory into a deadly toxin against them, a fatal allergy that persists to this day.
Their victory poisoned, the Tuatha nonetheless set about establishing their civilization, appointing the half-Fomorian Bres, son of High King Balor as their High king. Bres proved a tyrant and an incompetent, plunging the Eladan into a miserable existence of suffering and slavery, souring relations with their former allies. The Eladan rebelled, overthrowing Bres on the same field the Fir Bolg had been defeated. Nuada was killed and Lugh was crowned High King, remaining on the throne until the Calamity of Tara.
The Tuatha de Danaan thrived during Lugh's rain, establishing themselves as the undisputed rulers of the island. The last traces of the Fir Bolg vanished during this time and the Fomorians, continuing to raid the coastline, failed to make inroads to a proper invasion. The other Sidhe peoples, such as the Tempestarii and the Nathair begin to receive more reference, leading many to speculate that they diverged from the Eladan during this time.
Following the Calamity at Tara, the Sidhe fell into a civil war between the four cities, unable to establish a High King with the Lia Fáil. The Courts of Summer and Winter emerge from the chaos.
The Tear rips through Bedouar and Faerie, sending the Sidhe into chaos. Seeing it as attack by the Bediz, the Sidhe launch an assault on Albia and the Armorican Peninsula. The Kings of Kernev and Logres broker a temporary alliance with the Eladan against the Erlking, and peace between the Fae and the Bediz is established for 200 years during the Empire of Ys.
By 298 SI, the collapse of Ys and the spread of the Anti-Faerie Southern Church lead to a souring of relations, coming to a head with the sack of Kameled by the Fomorian King Vortigern . The truce dissolves and the Eladan conquer much of Albia. In 429 SI, a Sidhe fleet attempts an invasion of Armorica, but are defeated at the Battle of Keremma Dunes, ending Eladan designs on continental conquest.
Sidhe immigration from the Isles to Kornôgel continue for the next few hundred years and a peace treaty is signed in Armorica between the Courts, establishing the Throne of Menez Hom in 773 SI, ending open hostilities and establishing a permanent symbolic presence on the continent. Eladan power in the region grows during the Lethan civil wars and Fomorian Interregnum, unopposed by Bediz authority.
In 1097, the Courts, threatened by the Heresy of Albi, ally with Konstanza de Leon to defeat the Faith-backed forces of Gallia. Their victory is rewarded with the granting title of Menez Hom, the Brekilien Forest and other land in the interior of the Peninsula to the Throne of Menez-Hom, establishing the Sidhe as peers of the Realm.
The Courts march on Per-Ys during the Black Crown Affair, reinforcing their involvement with Bediz politics.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Fomorii
- The Tuatha de Danaan have a long and complex history with the Fomorii, largely existing as rivals and enemies, although alliances, marriages and even cross-species rule occur with some regularity across the two peoples.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Ageless
Conservation Status
Since arriving in the newly formed Alvez, the Tuatha de Danaan have become the most prominent and widespread Sidhe people in the worlds, first challenging, then coexisting with the dominant species of Bedouar, the Bediz.
Despite their long-life, fertility issues have led to a serious crisis resulting in significant negative population growth.
Average Height
1.6 - 2.1 m
Average Physique
Eladan are typically of lighter and slimmer build than their Bediz counterparts, exuding an ethereal grace and delicate presence. Limbs and fingers are slender and smooth, resembling the anatomy of idealized statues.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The hair and eye colour of the Tuatha de Danaan has a much greater range than the Bediz, with vibrant reds, purples, blues and greens common, as well as metallic and gemstone like colourations that seem to shimmer in the light with a faint glow.
Contrary to popular belief, and in part do to the introduction of new bloodlines, Tuatha de Danaan are not restricted to white skintones, although these are the most common, and shades of black and brown are quite common, typically manifesting as deep, rich colours. Unseelie Eladan are typically more extreme, possessing both lighter and darker skintones than their Seelie counterparts. Unseelie individuals are typically very pale like alabaster, or very dark ebony. Similarly, Unseelie hair colours tend to be lighter than those of their summer brethren.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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