The Coilledaoine

The Coilledaoine, commonly known as the wood elves, are an indigenous people residing in the Ríocht of Koterii, a nation renowned for its harmonious integration of nature and culture. Characterized by their deep connection to the natural world, the Coilledaoine maintain a lifestyle that emphasizes balance, sustainability, and reverence for the environment. They are organized into various tribes, each with distinct roles and customs, led by figures such as the Rí and the ard-Draoi. Their spiritual and cultural practices are deeply intertwined with the worship of Gaii’nus, the goddess of Earth and fertility, influencing their traditions of hunting, gathering, and artisan crafts. The Coilledaoine's way of life reflects a profound commitment to community and the preservation of their lush, forested homeland.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Feminine Coilledaoine name are taken from Irish Names.

Masculine names

Masculine Coilledaoine name are taken from Irish Names.

Family names

Coilledaoine Irish Surnames

Culture

Foods & Cuisine

They rely on sustainable foraging for wild greens, berries, mushrooms, and herbs, as well as hunting game and gathering seafood from their coastal environment. Their diet is enriched with nuts, fruits, and foraged roots, forming a balanced and hearty sustenance.
Traditional cooking techniques—such as open fire roasting, slow cooking in earthen ovens, smoking, fermentation, and drying—preserve natural flavors and make seasonal ingredients last. Signature dishes include forest stew, smoked fish and shellfish, herbal bread, and berry conserve, each reflecting local ingredients and cultural symbolism.
Meals are communal events that blend nourishment with sacred rituals, celebrating seasonal festivals and rites of passage in honor of Gaii'nus, the earth and fertility goddess. The Coilledaoine’s culinary practices emphasize sustainability and a deep connection to nature, symbolizing their respect for ancient traditions and the natural cycle of life.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The arrival of a newborn in the Coilledaoine community is celebrated with a series of rites that welcome the child into the fold while invoking the blessings of both nature and the divine. These ceremonies are designed to secure the infant’s well-being, embed them within the communal identity, and connect them to the traditions and spiritual ethos of the tribe. The primary rites include:
The Blessing Shortly after birth, the infant is presented before the tribe’s Draoi along with the parents. In this intimate ceremony, the Draoi recite prayers and invoke the protection and favor of Gaii'nus, the earth and fertility goddess. This blessing is particularly significant, as it is intended to ensure a strong and healthy life for the child, with a special hope that the infant will successfully navigate the vulnerable first year.
The Naming At the conclusion of the child’s first full summer, the community gathers for a communal Naming Ritual. During this occasion, all the children born in the previous year are presented before the tribe in a ceremony led by the Laoch. It is here that the Maoir bestows upon the infants their given names. This ritual not only marks the official introduction of the child as a member of the community but also weaves their identity into the social and cultural tapestry of the tribe.
The Marking Following the early rites, a final, more public ceremony takes place at the child’s first tribal gathering after experiencing five summers. In the presence of all the Chiefs, the child, along with their peers, receives a ceremonial tattoo—a symbolic marking applied to the arm. Each tribe’s marking is unique, serving as an enduring emblem of tribal affiliation and a rite of passage that signifies the child's growing integration into the social and spiritual life of the Coilledaoine.
Together, these rites form a comprehensive initiation process that not only welcomes each new member but also connects them profoundly to the enduring values, traditions, and spiritual guidance of the Coilledaoine people.

Coming of Age Rites

The Coilledaoine mark the transition from childhood to adulthood with a structured, three-stage ritual rooted in the "Three Ways" philosophy. This rite of passage not only prepares the youth for the responsibilities of adult life but also connects them deeply to the traditions and expectations of their community. The process unfolds in three distinct phases:
1. The Receiving Upon reaching their 12th summer, each youth participates in a communal ceremony alongside their peers. During this ritual, they receive three symbolic weapons, each bestowed by a different member of the Tribe’s Council:
A Spear: Given by the Draoi, this weapon symbolizes the Spiritual Way. A Bow: Presented by the Laoch, it represents the path of Warriors and Hunters. A Dagger: Awarded by the Maoir, it signifies the Gatherers and Lore-speakers Way. These gifts not only serve as tools for learning but also as emblems of the paths that the youth may one day choose to follow.
2. The Training Following the bestowal of the weapons, the youths embark on a two-year period of intensive training. During this time, they learn the techniques, traditions, and responsibilities inherent to each of the Three Ways. Every youth is required to complete specific tasks associated with each path:
The Spear Way: Successfully complete a ritual alone. The Bow Way: Successfully complete a solo hunt. The Dagger Way: Successfully gather three rare herbs on their own. This rigorous training ensures that each youth has firsthand experience in every aspect of Coilledaoine life, enabling them to make an informed choice about their future.
3. The Choosing After the two-year training period, a grand ceremony is held during one of the Tribal Gatherings. At this event, each youth publicly declares which of the Three Ways they wish to favor for the rest of their life:
The Spear Way: Chosen by those who feel a strong connection to spiritual matters. (It is important to note that embracing the Spear Way does not equate to becoming a Draoi; that status requires one to “break” both the Dagger and the Bow—a commitment that is irreversible.) The Bow Way: Selected by individuals who are drawn to the life of Warriors and Hunters. The Dagger Way: Opted for by those inclined towards becoming Lore-speakers and Gatherers. The Ri Way: Reserved exclusively for the children of the Ri, who are expected to follow all three Ways. Once a youth has made their decision, the final act of the ceremony is both transformative and symbolic. The youth is stripped naked in front of the assembled chieftains and is then tattooed with a mark that signifies the chosen Way—thereby cementing their new status and lifelong commitment to their path.
These coming-of-age rites encapsulate the core values of the Coilledaoine, reinforcing the importance of personal growth, communal responsibility, and the deep connection between individual choice and cultural tradition.

Funerary and Memorial customs

In Coilledaoine belief, death is not an end but a transformative passage. The body returns to nature, while the spirit journeys to the Golden Grove—the sacred domain of Gaii'nus—located in the holy city of Ava'rinn.
The Departure When a member of the Coilledaoine tribe dies, their passing is marked by both solemn farewell and a celebration of a life fully lived. This phase of the rite includes:
Gathering of Family and Tribe: Family and community members surround the dying or recently departed, recounting stories and memories of the individual’s life. These narratives serve a dual purpose: celebrating the deceased and providing a comprehensive account of their life to the Gatekeeper, the goddess Exa’nus, ensuring the spirit is welcomed into Ava'rinn.
Feasting and Song: Once all the stories have been told, a feast is held. Lively songs praising the deeds of the departed are sung along with hymns honoring both Gaii'nus and Exa’nus, reinforcing the spiritual transition.
Cleansing and Adornment: The body is carefully washed and adorned with specially applied paints or temporary markings. These designs echo the body art the individual favored in life and are typically applied by a partner or child, symbolizing care and continuity with their personal identity.
The Ritual of Return Following the departure, the tribe conducts a series of rituals to facilitate the spirit’s reintegration with nature and the divine:
Solemn Procession to the Grove of the Dead: A respectful procession carries the body to one of the sacred Groves of the Dead. Along the journey, members share memories and recount heroic deeds, ensuring the departed's legacy endures and remains free from becoming lost in the "Fields of the Storyless."
The Final Ceremony at the Altar: At the Grove of the Dead, the body is placed upon an altar. The Draoi perform the final rites by cutting a few hairs from the deceased’s head. In a symbolic act, the carriers then wash their own bodies, signifying their role in the communal cycle of life and death. The body is subsequently left to be reclaimed by nature—consumed by wild animals—and what remains nourishes the earth, fertilizing the grass.
Integration into the Tapestry of the Tribe: Upon returning to the tribe, the Draoi weave the cut hair into the communal tapestry. This tapestry, a living record of the tribe’s collective achievements, now bears the legacy of the departed, commemorating their greatest deeds for all to remember.
These rites illustrate the Coilledaoine view of death as a powerful and necessary transformation—one that enriches nature and ensures the eternal continuity of life through memory, ritual, and the sacred bonds of the tribe.

Common Taboos

In Coilledaoine society, taboos are not merely prohibitions; they are essential pillars that preserve the sacred order, maintain communal integrity, and honor the intricate interplay between nature, the spiritual realm, and the divine pantheon. These unwritten laws are deeply interwoven with the culture’s values, ensuring that every aspect of life—from birth to death—remains in harmonious balance.
1. Disturbing the Sacred Cycle Disruption of Rituals: Every rite—whether welcoming new life, marking the transition to adulthood, or guiding the departed—is imbued with profound spiritual meaning. Interrupting or trivializing these ceremonies risks undermining the vital connection between the material world and the divine forces represented by the deities, including Gaii'nus, Uro'nus, Sol’nus, Lun’nus, and Exa’nus.
Interference with Natural Transformation: Intervening in the natural progression of life or impeding the transformative journey of death is strictly forbidden. Such interference is believed to desecrate the inherent cycle of transformation and invite imbalance, affecting both personal destiny and the collective wellbeing of the tribe.
2. Misuse of Sacred Symbols and Objects Desecration of the Three Sacred Weapons: The spear, bow, and dagger—symbols of the Spiritual, Warriors/Hunters, and Gatherers/Lore-speakers Ways—are consecrated emblems of personal fate and tribal heritage. Using these items for trivial or harmful purposes desecrates their symbolic power and is considered a grave transgression.
Tampering with Personal Adornments: Body paint, tattoos, and ceremonial markings chronicle an individual’s journey and achievements. Altering, falsifying, or disrespectfully removing these symbols is seen as an attack on both personal identity and the shared narrative of the community.
3. Violation of Communal Integrity and Story Distortion of Personal and Tribal History: Oral traditions—stories recounted during key life events—serve as living records of individual deeds and collective heritage. Misrepresenting one’s accomplishments or deliberately omitting significant truths undermines the trust and historical continuity essential to the tribe’s spirit.
Subversion of the Masculine and Feminine Balance: In a culture that values the authentic embodiment of both masculine and feminine ideals rather than biological gender roles, forcing or manipulating an individual into a role that conflicts with their true self disrupts the personal and communal equilibrium.
4. Disrespect Toward the Divine and the Sacred Realms Irreverence Toward the Divine Pantheon: Acts of disrespect toward any of the deities—including Gaii'nus (the earth and fertility goddess), Uro'nus (the god of Creation and Time), Sol’nus (the god of Fire and the Sun), Lun’nus (the god of the Moon and Water), and Exa’nus (the goddess of Death and Shadows)—are gravely taboo. Such irreverence is believed to invite divine retribution that affects the entire community.
Violation of Sacred Spiritual Realms: Certain sacred destinations—such as the metaphysical realm of the Golden Grove, which symbolizes the spirit’s transformative journey—are inviolable. Although the Golden Grove is not a physical location, it represents a state of eternal transformation and spiritual union under the benevolence of Gaii'nus. Disrupting or belittling these celestial domains is seen as a direct affront to the natural order and the divine will.
5. Integrity in Personal Conduct Falsification of Ritual Achievements: The journey through the Three Ways is one of genuine self-discovery and personal accomplishment. Any attempt to exaggerate or falsify one’s trials—whether in spiritual rites, solitary hunts, or the gathering of rare herbs—betrays personal honor and dishonors the community’s legacy.
Interference in Personal Autonomy: Each member of the Coilledaoine is expected to choose and walk their own path. Imposing one’s will on another’s personal journey—be it in matters of courtship, the selection of a Way, or day-to-day conduct—violates the sacred respect for individual destiny and disrupts the broader communal harmony.
These taboos are the guardians of Coilledaoine tradition. They ensure that the deep connections between the individual, the community, and the divine remain unbroken, enabling each life and its transformation—whether through birth, growth, or death—to contribute meaningfully to the eternal tapestry of Coilledaoine existence.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Coilledaoine aesthetics place a high value on personal adornment and physical presentation. Long, well-kept hair is widely celebrated as a symbol of strength, virility, and noble lineage—qualities prized by both those who embody the masculine ideal and those who identify with the feminine ideal. Men and women alike take pride in maintaining impressive hairstyles, often featuring intricate braids and elaborate styling. For warriors, flowing hair underscores daring and fierceness, while for those aligned with feminine ideals, detailed braiding enhances notions of grace and beauty.
Beyond hairstyles, body paint and tattoos are commonly used among Coilledaoine warriors and tribespeople. These markings serve multiple purposes: they intimidate opponents in combat by creating a fierce and otherworldly appearance, and they also denote spiritual and tribal identity. Traditional garments, adorned with vibrant dyes and interlaced, swirling patterns reminiscent of nature, are not only practical but also express the wearer’s status and cultural heritage. Jewelry—such as torcs, fibulae, brooches, bracelets, rings, and beads—plays an essential role in signifying individual identity and standing within the tribe.

Gender Ideals

In Coilledaoine society, traditional categorizations of male and female are set aside in favor of the ideals of masculine and feminine. These terms refer not to biological sex but to a spectrum of qualities, roles, and behaviors that any person may embody. The masculine ideal emphasizes traits such as strength, bravery, and assertiveness, while the feminine ideal celebrates nurturance, creativity, and grace. This fluid approach to gender allows individuals the freedom to integrate both sets of qualities into their identities, thereby fostering a balanced and inclusive community where personal value is determined by character and contribution rather than solely by physical attributes.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship in Coilledaoine society is a ritualistic and symbolic process that underscores personal growth and cultural maturity. When individuals who identify with the feminine ideal reach the age of 14—having also chosen their dedicated Way through the community’s Three Ways ritual—they become eligible to be courted. These implementations of the Three Ways, which represent spiritual (spear), martial (bow), and practical (dagger) paths, mark a significant rite of passage.
Conversely, individuals embodying the masculine ideal must first prove themselves worthy of the honor of forming a relationship. This demonstration of worthiness can involve a range of trials or challenges—from short, intensive contests to prolonged periods of proving valor, skill, or wisdom. The courtship process is thus carefully entwined with the cultural principles of diligence, honor, and self-improvement, ensuring that any budding relationship reflects both personal achievement and communal values.

Relationship Ideals

Deviating from strict monogamy, Coilledaoine relationship ideals embrace a polyamorous framework. Relationships are seen as dynamic networks of bonded partnerships rather than isolated, exclusive unions. In practice, this often means that a masculine individual may form committed relationships with multiple feminine partners. These polyamorous arrangements are not merely permissive but are regarded as natural extensions of the society’s emphasis on balance and mutual support.
Such relationship structures are built upon the same foundational principles as their courtship practices: they require proven worth, sustained commitment, and continual alignment with Coilledaoine values. In this way, polyamorous relationships facilitate the integration of diverse strengths and foster a broader, interconnected community where each partnership contributes to the overall social fabric.