Eldwyth Tribes

Marriage Procedures

Marriage, referred to as “ymonir” (joining) in Eldwyn is the name for a ritual procedure which recognizes two tribe members as mutually exclusive, and partially interlinks their souls. The ritual is regarded as having a high degree of spiritual importance due to the significant increase in soulfire a well-matched linked couple can produce, and the consequences of forcing a bad pairing.

For the ritual itself, it is traditional for both partners to wear long, flowing clothes dyed in the gold and green shades of the holy Pelygwyr flower, in the hopes of borrowing on its power for a successful linkage.

Marriage is allowed between all, but it is highly expected that your partner be of the same soulfire color, and to a lesser degree the opposite sex.

Rhodiaeth Dann

A week-long holiday similar to Christmas, held during the 4th week of Emron and centered around giving gifts to loved ones and potential lovers. Also the day when priests end their service by approaching Rhoddyn-Gwyd, as the holiday is celebrated in appreciation of Emrall’s gift of life to the forest.

Clothing

Of the dyes available to the Kaithurhi natively in Kanthyna: red, blue, cyan, violet, and emerald see the most use. Of these colors, red is seen as a more feminine color and blue as masculine. Cyan is a neutral color, seen as the color of working, farming, and life. Violet is seen as a valorous color, typically worn by warriors and great hunters. Emerald is seen as a holy color, only being sourced from certain weeds that grow around Pelygwyrs, and only worn by priests. Those with the very rare emerald eyes or emerald soulfire are seen as angelic incarnations or prophets.

For the Kaithurhi, the mid-stomach is considered one of the most intimate areas of the body. Thus all clothing for even the servant/farming class covers at least the lower abdomen, with almost as much fervor as the groin.

Gender Roles

Eldwyth society recognizes 3 principle genders. Male, female, and the hermaphroditic sancyffo. Each of these genders are expected to portray certain traits, and gravitate towards certain jobs.
However, the Eldwyth place a much higher emphasis on the color of one’s soulfire in determining roles and jobs. For example, a woman born with violet soulfire will be expected to join the hunting corps and be more brave and honorous. Meanwhile, a man born with red soulfire will be expected to be calmer, take up swordplay, and a feminine profession such as farming or sewing.

“Masculinity” to the Eldwyth is embodied by a mix of traditional masculinity and emotionality. Men are expected to be emotionally free and open, living in the moment and discussing their feelings frequently. Masculine hobbies include most sports and games, archery, and bow-making. Masculine jobs are often to hunt, to fight, and to build.

“Femininity” to the Eldwyth is embodied by stoicism, mindfulness, and independence. Women are expected to show little emotion besides love, and especially to show no dependence. They are expected to be to each their own, and to only open their hearts to one man, and only then in moderation. Feminine hobbies include swordplay, puzzles, sewing, and botany. Feminine jobs include farming, war counseling, and writing.

Finally, there is the matter of the sancyffo. This gender is relatively uncommon, and only those with Emerald soulfire or particularly androgynous traits are expected to portray its virtues. The sancyffo are expected to be holy, wise, and mysterious. In fact, for a sancyffo to reveal their sex is considered highly embarrassing and grotesque. They are almost exclusively priests and wanderers, living in harmony with the forest and guiding others they come across.

Soulfire Color

The Kaithurhi attach the soulfire color of one’s bacterial resonance to certain personality traits, with some colors even being prerequisites for certain social ranks or jobs.

• For example, those with an emerald soulfire are seen as spiritual, philosophical, holy, and kind; and are the only ones who can work as priests.
• Those with violet soulfire are seen as brave, stubborn, heroic, and honorous. They are commonly found in hunting groups or the rare dedicated military, although it is not a prerequisite.
• Those with magenta soulfire are curious, inquisitive, and independent. They typically find themselves in positions of shimmer-beast hunters, scholarship, or living as a wandering coedwyn.
• Those with rose soulfire are amiable, good arbitrators, and sometimes two-faced. Most often they are politicians, revolutionaries, and public figures. Some even force a harmony with emerald bacteria, with the Kaithurhi unable to see their true color for lack of spark vision.
• Those with red or blue soulfire are seen as more embodying the traits of that particular gender. Blue are seen as good swordswomen, seamstresses, and farmers, while red are seen as excellent hunters, passionate, and leaders.
• Those with golden soulfire are seen as creative, emotional, and excitable. They also typically have a greater connection to soulfire and the wandersouls, 2nd only to Emerald soulfire. Often join the magentas as coedywn, or find work as painters or other artists.
• Those with orange soulfire are seen as self-sacrificial, cooperative, and friendly. They are often assistants to higher color castes in all positions. They also make up a significant chunk of the main workforce in menial tasks, like planting seeds and guarding wagons. 3rd most common after red and blue.
• Those with cyan soulfire are seen as loyal, proud, and very tribal. They are often local leaders of businesses, expeditions, and other small-scale community operations.
• Those with lime soulfire are seen as peaceful, easygoing, and friendly. They will most often be foragers, shopkeepers, and animal-keepers.

Tanóyryddaeth

A Kaithurhi martial art that was designed as a last method of defense in war when one’s spear or bow was lost. It focuses mainly on defensive techniques to assist in escape, but also incorporates paralyzing blows through the use of electric shocks.