Koterii (kəʊtəri:)

Koterii is a vast, heavily forested territory defined by its diverse natural features and rich cultural heritage. It is geographically positioned between the Silver Mountains to the east and an extensive western coastline that stretches from the northern tip down to the southern border, where it merges with the Grand Swamp. Dominating the northern reaches of the land is Druid Peak, the tallest mountain in Koterii.
The region's political and cultural life centers around its sole established city, Fothrach, which is uniquely situated in the ruins of an ancient fortress. In addition to this capital, Koterii is traditionally organized under a High Council, with each member responsible for overseeing one quarter of the land. Reflecting the council’s traditional roots, each member maintains an encampment named after their office—for example, the ard-Laoch’s encampment is known as Garrán an Laoch.

Structure

Koterii’s organizational structure is meticulously designed to bridge grand, centralized authority with the local autonomy of its tribal communities. At its core, the hierarchy is defined by two parallel tiers—one that governs the entire land and one that manages individual tribes—each with clearly delineated roles and responsibilities.
Central Leadership:
Rí: At the very top is the Ri, the ultimate authority responsible for unifying the people, setting overarching policies, and safeguarding the sacred traditions of the realm.
ard-Chomhairle; Directly advising the RÍ is the ard-Chomhairle, which is composed of:
ard-Laoch (High Hero-warrior): Oversees military strategy, defense, and the martial training of warriors.
ard-Draoi (High Druid): Manages spiritual guidance, ritual practices, and the preservation of sacred customs.
ard-Maoir (High Wise-man/woman): Acts as the guardian of lore, cultural wisdom, and the ethical framework of Koterii.

Together, this central leadership ensures that all decisions align with both the practical and spiritual imperatives of the nation.
Tribal Governance:
Chieftain (Tribal Leader): Each tribe is led by a Chieftain, who tailors the central directives to the specific needs and customs of their community while representing tribal interests within the larger structure.
Chomhairle; Advising the tribal Chieftain is the local Council, consisting of:

Laoch (Tribe Hero-warrior): Focuses on local defense and training the community’s fighters.
Draoi (Tribe Druid): Presides over communal rites, spiritual well-being, and the local observance of traditions.
Maoir (Tribe Wise-man/woman): Maintains the tribe’s lore, offers counsel, and mediates disputes based on ancestral wisdom.

Culture

The Coilledaoine, or wood elves of the Ríocht of Koterii, have a rich, nature-centric culture that emphasizes balance and sustainability. Their spiritual life centers on the worship of Gaii'nus, the earth and fertility goddess, complemented by other divine forces. Life is celebrated through ritualistic ceremonies marking key milestones—birth rites with blessings and naming, a coming-of-age ritual known as the "Three Ways" where youths choose their path with symbolic weapons and tattoos, and elaborate funerary customs that view death as a transformative journey. Strong tribal bonds are maintained through ancestral naming traditions, distinctive aesthetics like intricate hairstyles, body paint, and tattoos, and strict taboos that preserve sacred rituals and communal narratives. Additionally, the Coilledaoine embrace fluid gender ideals and polyamorous relationships, valuing both masculine and feminine qualities as integral aspects of their community.

Demography and Population

The population of the Coilledaoine is distributed across Koterii in a manner that reflects both their deep-rooted tribal traditions and the need to harmonize with the natural landscape. Although many wood elves continue to lead a semi-nomadic existence within the vast forests, demographic centers have emerged that serve as focal points for administration, cultural ceremonies, and community life.
Settlement Distribution Fothrach: As the sole proper city, Fothrach is the major settlement of Koterii. Nestled within the aged ruins of an ancient fortress, Fothrach functions as both the political and cultural hub of the region. It is estimated to house roughly 25–30% of the total Coilledaoine population. In Fothrach, members from various tribes converge for council meetings, communal celebrations, and trade, reinforcing its status as the epicenter of Coilledaoine life.
Minor Settlements: The remaining population is primarily spread across smaller settlements and seasonal encampments. Key among these are the settlements associated with the High Council:
Garrán an Laoch: Serving as the encampment of the ard-Laoch or High Hero-warrior, this settlement is a strategic and ceremonial outpost where martial training and defense rituals are conducted. Garrán an Draoi: The encampment of the ard-Draoi (High Druid/Priest) functions as a spiritual center, where ritual practices, blessings, and rites of passage are administered. Garrán an Maoir: Acting as the base for the ard-Maoir (High Wise-person), this site functions both as an administrative center and a repository for the lore and traditions of the Coilledaoine. Combined, these minor settlements account for another 40–50% of the population. The wood elves residing in these encampments often maintain close ties with their nomadic kin who inhabit scattered hamlets throughout the forested expanses.
Scattered Hamlets and Nomadic Groups: The remainder of the population lives in smaller, often temporary dwellings integrated into the natural landscape. These groups move seasonally and perform essential roles in hunting, gathering, and artisan crafts, further supporting the cultural and economic fabric of Koterii.
Demographic Rates Given the long-lived nature of the Coilledaoine and their cautious approach to population management, both the birth and death rates tend to be relatively low compared to contemporary human societies. Although specific figures can vary between tribes and over time, anthropological surveys and traditional records suggest the following averages:
Birth Rate: The Coilledaoine experience an average birth rate of approximately 8–10 live births per 1,000 individuals per year. This moderate rate reflects a cultural emphasis on careful stewardship of family and tribal sizes, ensuring that each community remains sustainable and in harmony with its environment.
Death Rate: The average death rate is similarly modest, estimated at about 7–9 deaths per 1,000 individuals per year. High longevity, improved knowledge of herbal remedies provided by the ard-Draoi, and a balanced lifestyle contribute to a natural equilibrium between births and deaths.
Together, these rates suggest stable population growth, supporting a resilient society that is well-adapted to the demands of a forested, nature-integrated lifestyle.
Overall, the Coilledaoine’s demographic organization—with Fothrach as a major hub, supported by strategically placed minor settlements and a network of scattered communities—mirrors their commitment to communal cohesion, sustainability, and the preservation of their ancient traditions.

Military

Rather than a modern, centralized army, their military forces are an extension of tribal tradition and communal responsibility, where martial duty is as much a way of life as it is a means of protection.
Leadership and Central Command At the head of the Coilledaoine military structure is the ard-Laoch (High Hero-warrior), the chief military leader who directs all martial endeavors from his strategic base at Garrán an Laoch. As part of the High Council (ard-Chomhairle), the ard-Laoch works closely with both the Ri and other high-ranking officers to ensure that all military actions are in harmony with the tribe’s spiritual and cultural values.
Key Military Divisions The military and security forces of the Coilledaoine are organized into several distinct, though interconnected, divisions:
The Vanguard: An elite force composed of the most skilled warriors, the Vanguard undertakes high-priority missions that include border defense, rapid counterattacks, and interception of hostile forces. These units are particularly adept at stealth operations, mastering the dense forest terrain and executing guerrilla tactics.
Forest Sentinels: Specializing in reconnaissance, these units are responsible for patrolling the extensive natural borders of Koterii. Their intimate knowledge of woodland, coastal, and swamp environments provides early warning of potential threats, ensuring that any incursions are detected and reported in a timely manner.
Local Militia Units: Scattered throughout minor settlements and among nomadic groups, locally organized militias function as auxiliary forces. Drawing on traditional skills in hunting and tracking, these groups can be rapidly mobilized to address local disturbances or emergencies, reinforcing security on a regional level.
Ritual Guards: During sacred ceremonies and religious processions, specially selected warriors serve as Ritual Guards. Their duty is twofold: they protect important religious figures and sites while also reinforcing the symbolic interplay between martial prowess and spiritual devotion.
Enforcement and Integration The Coilledaoine’s martial system is not solely focused on external combat but also plays an integral role in internal security. The armed forces work in tandem with local tribal leaders to enforce laws and safeguard key rituals and communal practices. While the legal system—largely formulated and maintained by the High Council and the Ri—addresses transgressions through restorative and punitive measures (ranging from fines and public shaming to, in extreme cases, banishment or ceremonial execution), the military provides the necessary infrastructure for rapid response when internal or external threats arise.
Regular consultations and joint training exercises ensure that the various divisions of the military remain well-coordinated. Training is deeply intertwined with the cultural rites of passages, such as the Three Ways of the youth, where martial skills, alongside spiritual and lore-based competencies, are honed. This integration reinforces the idea that all Coilledaoine, whether warriors on the battlefield or guardians of sacred traditions, are integral to the well-being of their community.
Flexibility and Adaptability Despite its traditional roots, the Coilledaoine military system is both flexible and adaptive. The decentralized structure means that local militias can operate semi-independently when necessary, allowing for tailored responses to regional challenges. At the same time, the overarching command of the ard-Laoch ensures unified strategic direction in times of heightened threat. This balance between local autonomy and centralized leadership enables the Coilledaoine to effectively manage both routine security and sudden crises, while also preserving the cultural and spiritual integrity that lies at the heart of their civilization.
Overall, the martial forces of the Coilledaoine are a testament to their age-old commitment to defending not just their physical borders, but the very traditions and natural harmony that define the Ríocht of Koterii.

Laws

Coilledaoine law reflects a delicate balance between strict adherence to sacred traditions and the practicalities of everyday life. Rooted in ancient norms and largely transmitted via oral tradition, the legal framework of the Coilledaoine regulates everything from property and commerce to employment, taxation, and criminal justice.
Law Creation and Documentation Creators: Laws are established by the High Council—known as the ard-Chomhairle—with the Ri serving as the supreme lawmaker. In practice, the Ri consults with the spiritual (ard-Draoi) and intellectual (ard-Maoir) leaders to ensure that legal edicts are in harmony with tradition, natural law, and the sacred rites of the people. The ard-Maoir, as the custodian of lore, plays a pivotal role in shaping these laws by drawing on ancestral customs and communal memory.
Documentation: While much of Coilledaoine law remains unwritten and is passed down orally through generations, key legal tenets are also preserved in sacred texts and carved stone monuments—primarily archived in Fothrach, the major settlement. These records, maintained in temple repositories and communal halls, provide authoritative versions of the laws in force and serve as guides for resolving disputes.
Law Enforcement and Judicial Process Enforcement: The physical enforcement of laws is overseen by the martial branch of society, headed by the ard-Laoch (High Hero-warrior). A dedicated cadre of skilled warrior enforcers is responsible for maintaining order, investigating transgressions, and executing the sentences decreed by the judicial bodies of the tribe.
Judicial Resolution: Disputes and criminal cases are adjudicated by local councils that convene under the guidance of the Ri. These councils consist of respected elders and leaders from various segments of society who interpret both the literal and the spirit of the law. Given the Coilledaoine emphasis on restorative justice, many disputes are resolved through mediation, ritual atonement, or symbolic acts that reintegrate the offender into the community.
Punishments and Flexibility Punishments: The penalties for wrongdoers vary according to the gravity of the transgression. Minor infractions—such as breaches of communal etiquette or mishandling of personal adornments—may be remedied through fines, public shaming, or binding rituals that restore personal honor. More serious crimes, especially those that infringe on sacred rituals or imperil the natural cycle (e.g., interfering with a funerary rite or disrupting the sanctity of the Three Ways), can incur severe punishments. These may include:
Banishment: Temporary or permanent exile from the community. Physical Retribution: Such as ritualistic branding, corporal punishment, or in extreme cases, ceremonial execution. Restorative Rituals: Which might involve acts of penance at public ceremonies designed to reestablish communal harmony. Flexibility: Although the long arm of the law is enforced rigorously—especially against offenses that threaten the sacred order—the legal system is not entirely inflexible. The oral tradition and strong communal ties allow for a degree of pragmatic leniency. In cases where offenders display genuine remorse and willingness to make amends, mediatory practices can result in reduced penalties. This balance ensures that while serious breaches are dealt with firmly, minor transgressions serve as opportunities for personal growth and communal healing rather than irrevocable condemnation.
In summary, Coilledaoine law is a hybrid system where divine mandate, ancestral tradition, and practical governance interlace to create a framework that is both firm in its principles and adaptive to the needs of the community.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Capital

Fothrach

Alternative Names

The Tribeland's

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Barter system

Official State Religion

The Roots of Gaii’nus

Subsidiary Organizations

• Tír an ard-Draoi
• Tír an ard-Laoch
• Tír an ard-Maoir
• Tír an Ri

Official Languages

• Common

Related Ranks & Titles

• Rí

Controlled Territories

• Fothrach

Neighboring Nations

• Cappirdiom
• Fjallheima