Airgid Gleann

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Airgid Gleann

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  • Status: REQUEST ONLY
  • Location: Clifden, Northeast of Galway; Ireland
  • Demonym: Den Gleann, Tribesman/Tribeswoman
  • Languages Spoken: Gaelic/Irish, Common Tongue
  • Influences: Wiccanism - Paganism - Celtic Lore
  • Archetype (Group):
    • Noble Savages, Druidic Crafters, Humble Merchants
  • Archetypes (Individuals):
    • Hedge-witches, Farmers, Craftsmen, Travelers, Pagans

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  1.   1.  Airgid Gleann - The Silver Valley
  2.   2.  Tribes of Morrígan
    1.   2.1  History
    2.   2.2  Hierarchy
    3.   2.3  
    4.   2.4  
    5.   2.5  
  3.   3.  The Coisricthe Religion
    1.   3.1  Deities
    2.   3.2  The Story of Creation
  4.   4.  Cultural and Religious Practices
    1.   4.1  Ceremonies and Festivals
  5.   5.  On-board & LASKY Threads

1.  Airgid Gleann - The Silver Valley

Nestled a lonely ride west of the bustling trade ports in Dublin is a quiet, mysterious land. It lies along the craggy coast once known as Galway, secluded by two adjoining mountain crests and closed in by the chilly North Atlantic Ocean. The valley that forms in the hollow of the mountains is a treasure hidden from most of the world - A place filled with spectacular beauty, as merciless as it is breathtaking. Verdant moors creep up from the south, making for treacherous travel into the area if one is not following the coast or familiar with the undulating terrain. The land itself is sweeping and broad, often coyly mist-cloaked. Open fields of dewy emerald grass sway and give way to wide rolling hills, which are in turn dotted with airy woodland spinneys and dense sacred groves. Toward the sea, the land becomes a mixture of high bluffs buffeted by the driving wind, and shallow inlets drenched in fable. This land is called Airgid Gleann by its native inhabitants, but is known colloquially as "the Silver Valley"' by the few tenacious traders that pass along its rocky shores in search of the quality wares made there. It is named thus for the small river that snakes through its heart and winds, serpentine, down to meet the sea; And it is home to the archaic Tribes of Morrígan.

The Silver Valley is rich in diversity of flora. Tall pines cluster in their multitudes, standing sentinel to the land below. They are dotted with birches, elms and oaks, whose ghostly bark sometimes gives a silvery sheen between the dense greens of the forest. Gentle willows and yew grow where the moisture is richest, and succulent crab apples, cherries, plums and wild strawberry trees pop with color, flavor and life. The land is split with rough grazing fields, perfect for hardy livestock acclimated to the fickle weather, and small thickets filled with dense wildflowers such as ragged robin, spring gentian and sea mayweed closer to the pebbled shore.

A bounty of creatures call Airgid Gleann home. Regal red deer, the largest prey native to the area, roam in small harems led by magnificent antlered stags. Far from hunters who might disturb their peace, large shaggy bears live solitary lives. Red foxes, shy of their larger cousins, frolic sparingly across the landscape. The fertile land provides for all manner of critters, from badgers, to stoats, otters and hares. The sky is the kingdom of large tawny owls, but other familiar avians are the jay, red grouse, wren, robin, blackbirds and the magnificent golden and white tail eagles. Just as the soil is plentiful, so too are the teeming waters of the coast. The grey ocean brims with many deep sea fish, such as Atlantic salmon and trout, and fishing is a promising pursuit to those patient enough to reap its rewards. Sea turtles are also a tasty treat for the skilled fisherman. Fortune even allows sightings of playful bottle-nosed dolphins, porpoises, and (rarely!) majestic killer whales from the far waters.

Click the following links for more information on the flora and fauna native to Ireland (and Airgid Gleann).



Landscape/Inspiration Gallery
Please use this gallery as inspiration for descriptions of the terrain, landmarks, and landscapes to be found within the territories of Airgid Gleann. All images are free-for-use from Creative Commons.


2.  Tribes of Morrígan

2.1  History

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2.2  Hierarchy

➤ The Chief and the Triad

At the head of each tribe is one man and one woman (the idea of gender non-conformity is still relatively new to this area, and viewed as abnormal though not necessarily abhorrent; Many of their societal roles are culturally gender-specific).

The man takes the role of the Chief, the political figurehead and general leader of the village and its tribespeople. He is in charge of most earthly things, and takes responsibility for the smooth running of his tribe. The woman, however, takes a spiritual role much akin to a seer - She is known as the Triad, religious leader of the people. All spiritual things are directed to her, and although the Chief claims the formal place of ruler of the tribe, it is the Triad who commands the most respect in the village.

The name Triad is derived from the three facets of the goddess Morrígan as well as the three gods, and is used to show that the chosen woman can embrace moon, sun and earth to connect with the deities of the traditional Coisricthe religion. The role of Triad is a life-long commitment, and girls will be picked from a young age (occasionally even from birth) for this role, to which they dedicate themselves.

While the Chief is able to take a family, as his son or most appropriate male relative will most likely be his predecessor, the Triad is never allowed to choose a partner or have children of her own. Her lifelong devotion to piety over familial and romantic love is said to keep the connection between the tribe and Morrígan strong - in this way, she is seen to be 'wed' to her duty.

➤ The Dara

Below the Chief and the Triad is the Dara. The Dara is second in command to the Chief, and will take temporary rule in the case of his inability to do so. The Dara may be male or female, for this role does not ascend to that of the Chief. Rather, in the event of the Chief's death or otherwise removal of rank, the Dara will act as Regent only until another individual (usually the Chief's sons or closest male relative) can take the role.

The Dara is chosen by the Chief, and often acts as his primary adviser and representative. Often times, this role will be fulfilled by the mate of the Chief, or in the event that he is un-mated, a sibling or treasured companion.

➤ High Ranks

The next high segment of tribal class are the Elders (an unofficial rank) and the Comhairle. The Comhairle are the council of the tribe, and are chosen for their dedication/wisdom, whilst the elders are any members of the tribe who have reached an enviable old age. These two ranks are often considered one, for although the Comhairle may have young members, the Elders are always invited to sit on the council and offer the advice of their wisdom. Both ranks are revered by fellow packmates.

Members of the Comhairle may be chosen by both the Chief and the Triad, although their number is always limited to three. Often, they come from 'noble' or old bloodlines.

➤ Mid/Low Ranks

The remainder of the tribe is split into three segments: the Saibhir (the wealthy), the Ceannaí (the middle-class), and the Droch (the poor). These three ranks are consisted generally of the merchants and laborers of the tribe - Farmers, hunters, craft-workers etc.

An individual's placing in these ranks is generally determined by their usefulness and devotion to the tribe, although certain families will hold more sway and respect than others, leading to the majority of their members being categorized higher than an equally-hard working member from what is considered a 'poorer' family. A family will often have a reputation, or a mannerism, which is expected and assumed from all members of that family. Because of this, depending on the situation, one clan-name might have greater power than another, and as such the higher rank may be given to an individual belonging to that Family at birth.

The older the family bloodline, generally (there are exceptions, in particularly notorious or downtrodden lines) the more they are respected.

➤ The Fool

Lastly, the lowest rank consists of one individual branded the Fool. The Fool (Irish: amadán) is often the scapegoat, loathsome drunk/criminal or general clown of the tribe, and although they are given the rank as punishment for this, they are often treated accordingly by the rest of the tribe.

The Fool rank can be an amusing title or an insulting one, although should the individual do something unacceptable or taboo, they will be berated much more harshly than any other tribe member. Often, if something unpredictable goes wrong - A storm washes out a crop, or a sheep is stolen from the flock, the Fool will be cursed at and half-heartedly blamed. Because of this, the Fool rank is often associated with the mischief god, Dagda.



2.3 

Macha Tribe

The Macha tribe is generally recognized as being the oldest of the tribes and the original settlers of the Silver Valley. Its defining and sought-after characteristics are wisdom, mediation and tradition. It is often seen as the "neutral" tribe among its peers, for ancestors' past tendencies to strongly advocate for peace over conflict (although historically, they were said to have warred with the Badb tribe after persecution). In conjunction with its often insular and introspective culture, this judicial and pacifistic nature tends to give the tribe an air of aloof nobility. Macha people are rarest to find in Airgid Gleann, due to the tribe having once been whittled down to a single surviving family bloodline. At one point in time, it was believed that they had been totally eliminated from Ireland via tribal warring and raiding from south-bound foreigners; But after the re-surface of the lost son Niall, the Winters family name reemerged on the coastline and brought with it the original tribe culture. At its creation the tribe was said to have been 100% Canis Lupus Familiaris (assumed collie), though that has since diluted from multiple occurrences of inter-species wedlock, with wolf and coyote hybridization now common. Macha kin often seek the gathering and archiving of knowledge, the preaching of peace where possible, and the inheritance of strong cultural tradition and history.
Common Families: Winters, Cuchulainn, de le Poer
Population Estimate: ~25,30 (small)



2.4 

Nemain Tribe

The bear is a righteous symbol of the Nemain tribe, representing many aspects and traits that these tribespeople value. They are generally considered to be the most primitive of the tribes, highly honoring their heritage and the wisdom of their tribal elders over that of newcomers or outsiders. Although not technologically or intellectually advanced, the Nemain tribe is by no means belittled or vulnerable - They are highly regarded as the most volatile and dangerous of the three tribes, due to their warlike tendencies, proficiency in combat and appreciation of great size and strength. They are widely said to produce incredibly skilled berserker warriors, whom are utterly fearless in battle and will back down from no living foe. Their bloodlines originated with the large hunting breeds of the region, primarily wolfhounds and deerhounds. Over time the Nemain people have gradually welcomed strangers into their ranks (so long as said strangers conform to their ideals and represent the physical traits of strength and size that they admire) and as such there has been a large influx of primarily wolf blood into the tribe. However, doggish looks are seen as being more traditionally comely, as they are a throw-back to the tribe's honored ancestry. At current, the Nemain tribe consists of a number of key families led by the Brádaigh clan, and they continue to be seen as a source of political and literal power within Airgid Gleann.
Common Families: Brádaigh, Ahearne, Cuchulainn, Macmathan
Population Estimate: ~45,50 (large)



2.5 

Badb Tribe

The most canny and superstitious of the tribes, the Badb tribe is often viewed as being suspicious and occult by its tribal neighbors. Many of the Lugh-cultists in the region have originated from Badb bloodlines, although the tribe itself still practices the common Coisricthe Religion (albeit sometimes an older, more archaic version). Unlike the battle hardened Nemain and pragmatic Macha peoples, the Badb tribe prides itself on its adaptability and cunning, often combining adopted or learned technological advance with traditional religious zeal. Famed for their illustrious potions, both of healing and of "spiritual enlightenment", the Badb tribe has a studious practicing group of herbalists, alchemists and apothecaries in their ranks. Their remedies, supplements, tinctures and concoctions are extremely sought-after by the other tribes as well as merchants further afield, and they are often paid well for their notable and rare skills. It is sometimes said that some in the Badb tribe have mastered the art of communicating with lesser beings, rumors going so far as to state that they can talk fluently with the ominous flock of dark-winged crows that calls their territory home.
Common Families: Murtagh, O'Sionna, Dubhthaigh
Population Estimate: ~30,35 (moderate)
Notable On-board Characters: Ros O'Sionna, O'Brien



3.  The Coisricthe Religion

3.1  Deities

The main religion found within the populous of Airgid Gleann is the Coisricthe religion. It is believed to have been founded by the three tribes that have inhabited the valley since the downfall of humankind. The religion itself is a mixture of old Celtic beliefs recorded in various documentations throughout the abandoned civilization, as well as various and paganistic and wiccan edicts sourced from the surrounding locale. It is centered on the polytheistic worship of three gods, each representative of multiple facets of the lives of those dwelling in the region, but primarily noted for the themes of life, death and chaos. While the three gods are worshiped as separate entities, the religion stems from the central idea of all things being related back to Morrígan - As such, the other two gods can sometimes be interpreted as split aspects of the one goddess. The three gods are as follows:
Morrígan - The High Goddess / Dea
The most prominent religious figure in the Silver Valley is Morrígan, the creator-goddess. In the Coisricthe religion, it is believed that Morrígan created the world and all living beings from parts of her own self, out of a desire to create existence and family (her 'children'). However, while Morrígan may be associated with fertility and life, she is not worshiped as being merciful or loving as with most fertility/creator deities. Rather, the goddess is always believed to be the most powerful of the three gods, and that power awards her a balance of positive and negative associations. In tandem with being responsible for life and 'magic', she is also a figurehead for war and nature-power, in the form of terrible natural disasters. Often times she is likened to the ocean, being both calm and beautiful, and also terrible and merciless. Many bad incidents are accredited to falling out of her fickle favor. Ocean-dwelling tribsefolk will often speak of wild tempests and storms blowing in from the sea being created by the anger of Morrígan, while those who dwell further inland will associate a bad crop or poor hunting with the same thing. She has many secondary titles, with oftentimes names of the goddess being regional. Common aliases are 'Dea', 'The Mother', 'The Great Queen' and 'Shea'.
Symbolism of the goddess is equally as varied as her themes; However, there are some notable cultural representations of the goddess. She is generally depicted as being a Luperci with three floating heads, one depicting sorrow, one depicting joy, and one depicting fury. The prevalent Coisricthe rule of 'threes' (almost every aspect of the religion has three components, three being a balanced and holy number) is also visible in Morrígan's association with the moon, the sun and the earth. The color white is also attributed to the goddess, with sacrifices of abnormal white animals a common ritual to appease her.
Dagda - The God of Mischief and Chaos / Trickster God
In most strains of the religion, Dagda is said to be Morrígan's brother, although a secondary and growing strain of the religion declares that he is her son. Regardless, Dagda is the most earthly of the three gods, and is perhaps the most household name within the religion. Dagda inhabits the everyday life of Coisricthe worshipers as a creator of mischief and chaos, and is often blamed for any annoyance that befalls a family. Missing items, spooked livestock, spoiled food, minor injuries and other everyday grievances are attributed to the workings of Dagda. A household will often have small wooden-carved figurines of Dagda in his various forms in pantries, foodlockers, chests and even on windowsills to bribe the god not to pinch or spoil items. Apart from generally being regarded as a nuisance, it is important to note that he is by no means disregarded in power - Insulting Dagda can lead to terrible losses, such as a whole herd of livestock going missing, or a hunter breaking their leg.
The more positive nature of Dagda is his place as the 'messenger' god. It is said that Dagda will often take word of praise and worship to his sister, Morrígan, and blessings and good luck may ensue. The god's benevolence may also result in his mischief and chaos being inflicted on enemies of the devout family. Although the weasel or stoat is the most common depiction of Dagda, he is also believed to take the form of practically any small animal; Thus, many hunters thank Dagda when successfully trapping hare or fish.
Lugh - The King of Death and Rebirth / The GodKing
An ominous figure, Lugh is treated with fear and respect by Coisricthe followers. He is generally believed to have been an ancient and wonderful King that fell in love with Morrígan and was then granted immortality by her - But after she created the Tribes, his immortal power was corrupted with jealousy. To keep his powers under control, Morrígan bestowed on him the ever-constant duty of maintaining the cycle of life, crafting it so that he required unworthy souls to sustain his godly power, and thus binding him forever to his eternal duty. As such, Lugh is presently worshiped as the deity of the cycle of life, death and the afterlife. Morrígan is generally said to have been his lover when he was the Great King, although she spurned his affections when he became weakened by jealousy. He may also be said to be kin of hers, or a companion created by her. The conflict of Lugh and Morrígan is said to be the catalyst for any great change in the world - Their arguments and battles causing floods and other natural disasters.
Lugh is said to take the souls of the dead from their buried bodies, eating the souls of those who are unworthy to be created into new life, and re-incarnating those who are worthy into a new physical form. He is also said to devour the souls of those who are lost in battle, or not given an appropriate funeral ceremony. The god of the cycle takes souls by reaching up from his sleeping-place under the earth and snatching them from the bodies buried underground. For this reason, hunters will often bury the hearts of their prey underground in offering, so that Lugh may take the animal's soul and be appeased. Carvings of Morrígan in trees or the wood of one's home will keep Lugh at bay, preventing him from spreading disease and death throughout a household or quickening the cycle of life to give someone an early death. Occultists that worship Lugh believe that with the proper ritual he can inhabit and possess an individual's body for short periods of time, granting them supernatural powers and revealing to them truths of the cycle of existence, truths that are beyond life and death. If one is said to have had their heart taken by Lugh, it is meant that they have no soul in their living body, and thus are truly evil.
The GodKing has very few symbols and depictions - although his position as a god does not revolve solely around death but around the circle of all life, it is generally considered bad luck to use or see the symbol of Lugh (as that may draw his attention, resulting in early or unfortunate deaths). He has no particular association to the color black or specifically black animals, but some believe that ravens and predatory birds are his messengers, and that he therefore has lasting connections to the Badb tribe. When spoken of, he is most often referred to as Lugh, but other names include 'The Great King' (said with respect so as not to anger him) and 'Soul-eater'. 'The Great King' is often a name used at a funeral, when the kin of the dead will wish for Lugh to judge worthiness with mercy and reincarnate their deceased.

3.2  The Story of Creation

An Scéal na Linn

In the beginning, there was Morrígan. She is Dea, the creator, and with her power over life she birthed all things. She is peace, power, pain and pleasure. She is the Great Mother.

Morrígan created the world from her womb, the mountains from her flesh and the rivers from her blood. The world was quiet and empty, and so to fill it Dea then created life - Above all life, she favored her children, the tribes of the holy land Airgid Gleann. They were named thus: Badb, of the darkwing, of creativity and cunning; Nemain, of the large fang, of strength and endurance; and lastly Macha, of the swift foot, of wisdom and healing.

For an age, the tribes lived peacefully within the radiance of the all-powerful Dea. She protected them from Dagda, the Trickster, and Lugh, the Great King. Dagda was known to be the brother/son of Morrígan, and he too loved the world she had created - but he is a master of mischief in his nature, and sought only chaos and entertainment from the tribes. Lugh, Soul-eater, was once a great and powerful King of the old world when gods walked among us, known to be the lover of Morrígan and made immortal by her hand. He grew jealous of her love for the tribes.

❆ ❆ ❆

Frustrated by the tranquil peacetimes, Dagda said to the Mother, "If you love them, as you say you love them, let them know magic," - He said this for he knew spirit-magic to be chaos. Dea could not refuse his request, for she loved them with a love that was both wonderful and terrible - but she was wise, and chose only to give the spirit-magic to those truly worthy of the names Badb, Nemain and Macha. Those chosen would be blessed with the Sight, and great power.

However, the once-benevolent Lugh grew furious with Morrígan for sharing the nature of their spirit-magic. The spirits came from all things, from life and death and the land itself, and he was bound by her decree to tithe such things. Seeking an end to her children, that the power might remain his own, Lugh sent a willing Dagda in the form of Weasel to speak with the chiefs of each tribe.

To the Crow chief, Weasel said: "Nemain, the stupid and the lumbering - they who have none of your wit and resourcefulness - they have been given more spirit-magic than you!"

Badb was furious. She thought, My tribe has been wronged. Bear is dimwitted!

To the Bear chief, Weasel said: "Badb, the sly and the devious - they, who have none of your valor and bravery - they have been given more spirit-magic than you!"

Nemain was enraged. He thought, My tribe had been wronged. Crow is wicked!

To the Stag chief, Weasel said: "Your traitorous brethren, Crow and Bear, rally against you - They wish for your wisdom and they grow jealous of your wealth. There is war to be had!"

Macha, wisest of all, thought only thus: Weasel is trickery! Dagda walks among us, sent by he who seeks to rule the heart of Morrígan.

But Weasel/Dagda was cunning. He warned Bear and Crow that Stag would try to outwit them, for he said Macha thought himself the smartest of the three. When war broke out, the Stag tribe suffered the greatest losses, for he did not seek to fight back against those who had once been brothers and sisters. Peace seemed a weakness in those dark times, and the people of Macha despaired.

❆ ❆ ❆

Morrígan's eye opened with baleful stare of the full moon, and she looked down on her creations and raged, for they had broken her heart. She punished them by taking the magic from their souls, and rode the steed Death upon the heels of their petty wars in a great and reaping punishment. The Soul-eater came, and he was Lugh; and he took the souls of the unburied and unmourned and feasted, and for a time the great Cycle was woefully broken. Many died in the feuds, and the tribes would never be true kin again. However, Dea had not entirely turned from her children, and occasionally one would be born again with the spirit-magic and the Sight, that they might see and remember what greatness they had lost.

The tribes were shattered. They prayed to Morrígan, but she did not heed them. Lugh continued to feed on their unworthy souls. To appease Dea, they offered her the greatest of spirits - From the Badb, white crows were sacrificed (though some say that more, the Lost Children, were also given back to the mother in darkness and great shame). From the Nemain, white bears. From the few remaining Macha, who had become elusive and rare, mighty white stags were offered. The bodies were left bare by their altars, and the sacrifices were crude and desperate.

Dea was again enraged. She came to the Triads of each tribe and plagued them with great and terrifying nightmares, and they said in her voice to their kin: "Morrígan is displeased. She says the spirits have been wasted, and that all must be used for their life to create magic. She says, respect must be given to ALL spirits, and the magics therein." From then on, the tribes used every inch of their sacrifices for ritual clothing and food, giving the blood of the animals to Dea and saving only the hearts to appease the GodKing, Lugh. They would bury the hearts beneath the rich earth and tilled loam where they buried their dead, so that the Great King could reach up and take them in his black claws.

Blood was given from the Triads, too, for their Blood was Morrígan's blood, and on solstice and full moons when the eye of Dea is open, they still give blood to her and ask the traditional blessings. Because the blood holds the Spirit, it is sacred, and only shed in war, ritual, or hunt - all of which are blessed acts of Morrígan. At all times, offerings are made first to her by drawing the mark of the tribe with the blood or the claw on tree or fur or ground. Dagda, the Messenger, will please his vengeful sister/mother by taking the offering to her in the form of Sparrow or Mouse, Hare or Fish. He is kept from making Mischief by use of ritual song, for he is lulled back to slumber by the beauty of such music.

❆ ❆ ❆

Festivals are still held on the Sabbats to appease and honor the Gods, and their numerous forms - and to continue the path of apology and piety to the High Goddess, in the hopes that one day she might forgive her children and return to them the powers that have been lost. These rituals are known as Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, Lughnasadh, Mabon and Samhain; This is why the Tribes make sacrifice and pray as they do, and this is how the Land and the Tribes came to be.


4.  Cultural and Religious Practices

4.1  Ceremonies and Festivals

  • Yule - December 21, Winter Solstice
On the longest night of the year, the Tribes rejoice as Morrígan gives birth to the sun. On the night of the solstice, the Triad of the tribe will remain awake until dawn with lit candles to keep her vigil. She will pray for the safe passage of the sun, and make sacred offerings (of blood, prey, or song) to the moon, which is seen as Morrígan. Come daybreak, the celebrations will begin, with feasting on much of the remaining winter store and high merriment as the tribes look forward to the fertility of the oncoming months and the end of the long cold. If there are any big announcements to be made, the Chief will make them after the feasting. If the Triad has been successful in her worship and Morrígan is pleased, they will have a bountiful Spring.
  • Imbolc - February 1
Historically, this date is seen as the passage from Winter into the beginning of Spring. To the tribes, it is seen as a time of purification, spring cleaning and self-cleansing in preparation for the oncoming year. Often, tribesfolk will make confessions to the Triad of their tribe to cleanse themselves of guilt in the eyes of the gods, and this un-burdening is often associated with a feeling of freedom and giddiness. Imbolc is also the traditional time to make pledges and vows, and as such it is common for couples to announce their mateship to the Triad and the Chief on this day. It is a day of fresh starts and new beginnings, and also heralds the beginning of the birthing of the spring lambs.
  • Ostara - March 21, Spring Equinox
This is a time of great fertility, as the length of the day surpasses the length of the night. The Triad will focus her energies on blessing the land for prosperity and richness, and also blessing any pregnant women or couples hoping to conceive. These blessings do not involve blood, but are more earthly, and involve elements such as water, clay and seeds. Many members of the tribes will take this day to plant fresh crops that will be blessed when the Triad worships the land in the name of Morrígan.
  • Beltane - April 30
Traditionally the first day of Summer, Beltane is a time to gather with your family and enjoy the company of old friends. There is much storytelling done on this day, with ballads sung for the triumphs of the tribes, and elaborate exaggerations piling more and more ridiculously. During the day, festival activities will include both ritual dancing, simple dancing, and dancing around a traditional Maypole that is either erected on the day, or made out of the most suitable tree on the territory. Come night, the Chief will lead in the lighting of great bonfires, and the dancing will continue with the glow of firelight.
  • Midsummer - June 21, Summer Solstice
Midsummer is considered the turning point of the season, when summer reaches its peak and the day stretches longest of all. It is a day for dreaming one's most secret and heart-felt thoughts, for it is believed on this day that Dagda is mollified by the warmth of the sun and will be benevolent, carrying the wishes of the tribesfolk to Morrígan that Shea may hear them and answer their prayers. A candle or campfire is lit before sunset in every den, to keep a light (representing the sun) burning until the the dawn.
  • Lughnasadh - August 1
This date marks the beginning of the first harvest. Much cooking is done in preparation of feasting to be had, to praise the bounty of a good season, or uphold merriment in the event of a poor one. Young animals will be slaughtered, and their hearts buried so that Lugh, The Great King, may take them and be appeased. Sporting competitions are sometimes held, each differing to the tastes of the tribes (hunting in Badb, wrestling in Nemain, archery and horse-riding in Macha) to show the strength of the tribe and also to show to Lugh that their souls are worthy of reincarnation. It is generally a competitive celebration.
  • Mabon - September 21, Autumn Equinox
Also known as The Gathering or the Wine Harvest, Mabon is a sacred day to all the tribes. For once, they set their grievances aside and will meet in peace on neutral grounds for ceremonial interaction. Later in the season than the first harvest, there is often plentiful food to share, and each tribe will try to out-do the other in displays of wealth and bounty, by bringing large amounts of food and luxury (often wine and mulled concoctions, which the Badb tribe are masterful at creating). Here, young individuals might meet and flirt, and form secret trysts and partnerships that will evolve in mateships once announced at Imbolc. The Chiefs from the tribes will confer as to the betterment of their lands and all of Airgid Gleann, and the Triads will convene in a secret and sacred ritual location to perform various scrying and worship rituals. The meeting will last well into nightfall and till the following dawn, when the tribes will depart back to their respective territories.
  • Samhain - October 31
An ancient and somber festival, Samhain marks the end of the warm and bountiful seasons and the beginning of the oncoming hardships of winter. At this time, individuals will have to decide which of their livestock are strong enough to survive the winter, and which will be culled for eating and curing with salts to preserve for times when food stocks are low. As day turns into night, Samhain becomes a day to worship the ancestors and the recently deceased. Lugh's Cycle is at its thinnest, allowing for the Triads to feel the presence of those he has reincarnated, and those whose souls have yet to be judged.


5.  On-board & LASKY Threads

2014

  1. The strength of water can sink a man (18 JUNE)
    Alaine Winters, Elijah Winters; In the early morning hours Alaine slips away from her sleeping husband to look out on the Winters estate. One of her sons, the other-minded Elijah, has finished up tending to an old and dear friend and meets her on the front porch.

2016

  1. Her voice was the mist becoming rain (11 OCTOBER)
    Indra Revlis, Baratheon Winters; Sent away to foster with her paternal grandparents by her parents back in Salsola, Indra has arrived at the Winters estate and settled in. She is accompanied on a walk by her great-uncle, the Macha Heir Baratheon.
  2. (M) Byzantine (MID-DECEMBER)
    Indra Revlis, Alaine Winters; Having been taught the ways of her ancestral peoples, and learned something of herself in the process, Indra decided that it is time to leave Airgid Gleann. Her great-grandmother bids her a gentle farewell, and she is escorted to the Dublin ports by an entourage of Macha tribe scouts where the merchant ship Domitilla is waiting.

2018

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2019

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