#Feadhainn

[amonrawya]

1st of October: Mountain / A' chiad latha dhen Dàmhair: A' bheinn

English Translation:

Since the day the dragon came, it seemed to Thorin he saw the mountain clearer with every step he took away from it, with each mile he and his family led the people of Erebor west, their backs to the mountain, its form in his mind grew firmer.

They toiled in strange lands, selling their skills like simple trades-folk instead of the masters they were. How low we are fallen, the young prince would seethe, still proud despite their loss.

Thorin's people had not been long in connecting Thror's hoard to the dragon's attack; the first to do so turned their backs on him, choosing to join their kin in the Iron Hills than suffer the Wilds under a leader they did not trust. Those who kept faith and remained, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, Thorin vowed to protect.

Even before the disappearance of Thrain, a shift came in Durin's Folk. They began to seek guidance from their prince, following his lead and rallying behind the dream he described for them: a new home in the west, far from hardship and strife where they may rebuild all that was lost.

But always in his mind lay the same thought, the mountain, the mountain, the mountain. In his dreams he looked on it from afar. Watching. Waiting. He would bring his people home, redeem his family for their grandfather's sickness that brought them all to ruin.

The birth of his sister's sons came in a time of peace. The older they grew, an ever-increasing choir that sung with the drums from the deep followed him....the mountain, the mountain, the mountain, they cried.

Oh the lonely mountain...

Scottish Gaelic translation:

Bhon dearbh là a thàinig an nathair-sgiathach, chunnaic Thorin a’ bheinn nas soilleire le gach ceum a thog e air falbh, leis a h-uile mìle a stiùiridh e is a theaghlach an t-sluagh Erebor gu Iar, an dromannan ris a’ bheinn, dh’fhàs a cumadh cruaidh anns na inntinn.

Dh’obraich iad ann an dùthchannan neònaiche, a’ reic na sgilean aca mar gun robhar luchd-malairt farasta seach na maighstirean a bhathar. Cho ìosal a tha sinn air tuiteam, smaoinich am prionnsa òg le fuath geur, fhathast moiteil a dh’aindeoin an calltachd.

Cha tug e fada gus an cur an t-sluaigh a h-uile rud ri chèile: sabaid an nathair-sgiathach agus tasgaidh Thror. Tionndaidh na ciad feadhainn an aghaidh an Rìgh agus thagh iad a bhith a’ dol gu na luchd-dàimh aca anns na Cnuic Iarainn, an àite a bhith a’ fulang san dùthaich fhiadhaich fo cheannard nach robh earb annta ann. Ghealladh Thòrin gun dìon e na feadhainn nach deach, a bha a dh’fhantainn agus a chumail creideas leotha.

Eadhon ron thuras Thràin nach tàinig e air ais bho fhathast, thàinig atharrachadh air na muinntir Durin. Thoiseach iad a’ sireadh stiùireadh bhon phrionnsa, a bhith ga leantainn agus a’ tighinn ri chèile air cùlaibh an aislinge a bha e ag iarraidh dhaibh: dachaigh ùr san Iar, fada air falbh bho dhorradas agus strì far am faodar a h-uile rud a bha air caill a thogail a-rithist.

Ach an-còmhnaidh anns na inntinn bha an aon smaoin, a’ bheinn, a’ bheinn, a’ bheinn. Anns na aislingean, choimhead e air fad às. A’ coimhead. A’ feitheamh. Thoireadh e an t-sluaigh aige dachaigh agus cuir ceart gach rud a rinn a sheanair a thoirt iad uile gu lom-sgrios.

Thàinig breith mhic a phiuthar ann an àm ciùin ach mar a dh’fhàs iad suas, dh’fhàs guth còisir anns na inntinn a bha a’ seinn leis na drumaichean às na h-uamhan. A’ bheinn, a’ bheinn, a’ bheinn, dh’èigh iad.

Ò a’ bheinn ònaranach...

Amon Rawya

(Tha mi fhathast ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig - bithibh snog XD)

[jubaer01]

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[thewatchau]

Watch AU Fun Fact #178

The August Holidays are also celebrated with Feadhainn cultural festivals. 

These celebrations are based on the heritage passed down by those with Feadhainn ancestry and information uncovered by historians and archeologists researching the ancient civilization. They feature traditional food, dances, and retellings of the oral and written history that still remain. 

[theplantqueer]

leugh mi leabhar, 's e "healing threads" an t-ainm a th' air, agus dh'ionnsaich mi mòran. ach. cha robh an t-ùghdar ciorramach no chan e gàidheal a bh' innte. Bha beagan trioblaidean ann - beag ach mòr cuideachd. Bha na faclan a chleachd i airson rudan ciorramach sgreamhail, agus cha robh na concepts ciorramachd(?) cho ...beachdaichte. Ghabh na coimhearsnachdan cùram ri daoine ciorramach, nach robh iad coibhneil? - 'S dòcha. ach cuideachd, bha mòran rudan ann a dhèanamh gun chasan, no gun chumhachd, 7c. Bha feadhainn nan luchd cudromach anns na coimhearsneachdan aca! bha an fhearg orm cuin a leugh mi sin, ach bha an leabhar math, co-dhiù

[anarchotolkienist]

Dùthaich mo Bhrèith

Seinnidh mi 'n dàn seo 'S mi fada air falbh bho dhùthaich mo àraich is dùthaich mo bhreith Bho thìr nam mòr-achadh An dùthaich tha glòrmhor Creathall nan gaisgeach Is dachaigh nan laoch Bu innte a thàmh mi An ùine nach fhada Air cladhan na feadhainn A chaochail sna sgoiltean An dùthaich san d' fhuair Sinn fios agus foghlam Nan oilthighean uasal Gun fhacal air eachdraidh A thomhais na claigeann A mharbh na pàistean Tha falaicht', nach innsear An sgrìos rinneadh innte A dhùthaich a thùinich Mòr-bheinn nan sàmach An dùthaich a mharbh An crèideamh 's an ceòl Dùthaich nam poileas A bhuileas na mnathan A leig leis na nàtsaich A ruaig na h-ìudhaich

Seinnidh mi 'n dàn seo A dh'innseas an t-adhbhar A chuirinn mo mhallachd Air dùthaich mo Bhrèith ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A bheil seo actually math air cor sam bith? Chan eil mi math ri bàrdachd is chan eil ann ach ruitheam agus beagan co-fhuaimneachaidh ach thàinig na loidhnicheach "a dhùthaich a thuinich/mòr-bheinn nan sàmach/An dùthaich a mharbh/An crèideamh 's an ceòl" nuair a bha mi a-muigh is a' beachdachadh air eachdraidh na suaine is mo bheachdan air an dùthaich san fharsaingeachd, is bha e agam ris an còrr a sgrìobhadh. Tha fàilte air feedback, sin na tha mi ag ràdh - work-in-progress, mar a theirear. Tha na loidhnaichean mu dheidhinn like dè cho math agus gaisgeil agus a tha an t-Suain a' dèanamh iomradh air ar n-òran nàiseanta, chan e rudeigin a chrèideas mi, ach hcan eil fios agam a bheil sin soilleir gu leòr. Cuideachd, chan eil fios like a bheil fios air daoine ann an Alba mu dheidhinn race science agus na rudan sin a rinn an t-Suain - an tuigeadh daoine idir like, dè mu dheidhinn a tha seo?

[gaidhlig-tv]

Fios 2022

Thuirt Kathleen Cleaver ann an 1968 - agus tha na faclan aice a cheart cho iomchaidh ann an 2022:

“Remember, like Solomon, there’s a time for everything.”

Dealbh: Kathleen Cleaver, 1968.

Ann an 2022, chan e #GaelicCrisis a th’ ann, ach cothrom.

Tha fianais làidir ann gu bheil cothrom ann fhathast - do na Gàidheil - a thaobh na meadhanan Gàidhlig.  Chan e a-mhàin a thaobh sianal telebhisein 'traidiseanta’ ach craoladh Gàidhlig anns gach dòigh ùr.  Tha cothrom ann ‘content’ Gàidhlig ùr a chruthachadh  - stuthan de gach seòrsa, ‘short-form content’ agus rudan fada, aig ìre nàiseanta agus eadar-nàiseanta, air gach seòrsa platform - agus faodaidh iad seo a bhith ag amas air na Gàidheil.   

Ach, mar a tha Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail ag ràdh:  ‘An-dràsta, chan eil adhbhar aig na Gàidheil tionndadh gu BBC Alba’.

Tha beagan obrach ri dhèanamh.  Chan eil an cothrom Gàidhlig seo a’ còrdadh ri cuid dhe na daoine aig ìre-riaghlaidh.  Tha £13m sa bhliadhna aig MG ALBA, agus tha sinn air dearbhadh fhaighinn gu bheil vested interests ag obair nar n-aghaidh.   Tha an saoghal a' gluasad air adhart, ach chan eil na h-ùghdarasan - an Riaghaltas, Ofcom agus MG ALBA nam measg - a' dèanamh gu leòr.  

Tha cothrom ann atharraichean a dhèanamh. Stèidhichte air rannsachadh agus le taic bho eòlaichean, tha sinn air fianais a lorg gu bheil e comasach do chraoladairean tòrr a bharrachd Gàidhlig a thoirt a-staigh air prògraman BhBC Alba agus stuthan-craolaidh MG ALBA, agus gun gabh sin dèanamh gun mhòran chosgais.  Chuidichidh sin le bhith a’ cur stad air na ficheadan de phrògraman le 40%-80% Beurla orra - Beurla ga phiobrachadh a h-aona ghnothach le MG ALBA.

Mholamaid na 'blog posts’ air fad (corr is 100) air gaidhlig.tv a leughadh, gus tuigse fhaighinn air gnothaichean. Na creid a h-uile facal a chluinneas tu bho Ofcom. Na creid an fheadhainn air Twitter agus na meadhanan sòisealta eile aig a bheil vested interest a thaobh status quo.

Tha rathad nas fheàrr ann. Mar a chanas iad (mur eil Gàidhlig agaibh), positive change.  

Mur eil mòran ùine agaibh - mur eil agaibh ach 3 mionaidean - mholamaid èisteachd ri Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail, aon dhe na luchd-taic againn, is e a’ bruidhinn mu dheidhinn air BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Tha Aonghas Dubh a’ faighinn gu crìdhe gnothaich.  “Chan eil aobhar aig Gàidheil tionndadh gu BBC Alba... fhathast”. Tha an audio ri fhaighinn an seo

-

Ann an 2022 - tha cothrom ann. 

(An dealbh gu h-àrd - le taing do American Public Media/American Radio Works; Na briathran - K. Cleaver: Toradh Bobby Hutton 12/04/1968)

Tha diofar dhaoine a’ cur taic ri gaidhlig.tv leithid Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, Robert Phillipson, Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul, Ishi NicIlleathain, Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail, Robbie Anndra NicLeòid, Seimon Brooks anns a’ Chuimrigh agus Lisa Storey. Tha leithid Pat Kane air taic a thoirt don iomairt cuideachd.  Chan eil sinn ceangailte ri partaidh poilitigeach.  Tha sinn ag obair gu saor-thoileach.  Chan eil sgillinn ruadh againn. Tha sinn gu mòr an comain eòlaichean mar Eithne O’Connell agus feadhainn taobh a-staigh a’ BhBC (a tha faiceallach a thaobh bruidhinn a-mach: eagal ’s gun caill iad an cuid obraichean) a thaobh comhairle.  Cumaibh taic rinn cuideachd! @gaidhligtv

Tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mar deidhinn an seo

Agus tha fiosrachadh mionaideach an seo bho  cho-labhairt ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann. 

Cuidichibh!

[theshapeshifter100]

Outpost

(Day 9 of @thewatchau‘s prompts)

The year Hank turned 22 was the year the Watch moved in.

There was an old Mage’s hold, further up the Rúnach river and less than a day’s ride from Imforis. No one really went there, no real need, and there was the old children’s story about the place being haunted.

Imforis was barely a village, definitely bordering on a hamlet. Everyone knew everyone. So when a stream of people came through out of nowhere, it caught attention.

Hank could hear them from his house. He and his mother were drying herbs, when the rumble of carts and chattering of voices could be heard all the way from the road.

He and his mother had shared a look, before Hank left the house and jogged down the track to the road. Well, calling it a road was laughable, just a slightly wider track.

“Hoy, a local!” called one of them, spotting Hank. He was easy to spot, being as tall as he was. “We’re on the right track to the Hold right?”

“Far as I know!” Hank hollered back.

“Great! Some folks be coming by river by the way!”

“Noted, thanks!” Hank paused for a bit, and had peered down at the long train that was slowly walking by. “What are you doing?”

“Fixing up the old Hold for the Watch!”

“That what?” it sounded familiar.

“That Watch! The organisation that’s going to look into the Enemy.”

Oh, yeah. The Enemy, who was currently hiding in the Western Forest right now. The forest they were currently backed onto. Hank didn’t like to think about that too much.

“Is that old place really good for that?!”

“That’s what we’re hoping!” that person had gone too far now to continue talking, and no one picked it up again.

Hank just, watched for a while, as horses pulling carts of stone and wood clopped by, and people carrying tools marched on. They were really going to do this.

Well their problem.

This continued on and off for the next few months, and finally, the rush downed down.

For about a week.

Then began a smaller trickle of people passing through town. Most would just go straight through, some would stop and look.

Most of them weren’t impressed. They’d look around the small market, some of the old buildings that were barely holding together, then look uninterested and leave.

Hank was not a man prone to anger, but every time he saw someone turn their nose at his home, he wanted to punch them. He would fold his arms on his stall selling herbs and feel his fingernails digging into his arms.

Then, again, things started to change. Someone he didn’t know wandered up to his stall, looking nervous.

“Er, hi,” they said, their accent more eastern than western. “Um, do you have a bakery?”

“’course, just down there, turn left. Got a loaf a’ bread sign. Can’t miss it,” Hank pointed them in the right direction, being of a reasonable sort.

“Ah, great! Thanks!” the newcomer grinned and walked off the same way Hank had pointed.

That newcomer kept coming back. Every market day.

“The Hold get’s crowded,” they explained. Frank was their name. “And I’m not a fighting type, just, some miller, you know?”

“What’s a miller doin’ joining the Watch?” Hank leaned on his stall, hands relaxed now.

“An army marches on its stomach my friend,” Frank shrugged. “Hoped to see if any of the bakers here would be willing to help out.”

To that Hank chuckled. “We have one baker, who deals with the whole village. She doesn’t have a lot of time.”

“Or an apprentice?”

“Yeah, but they’re busy too.”

“Shame,” Frank nodded to himself before changing the subject. “You know, some of these old buildings could really do with some work.”

“I know,” Hank sighed. “Ya don’t need to tell me. We try ta work on them every now and again. Probably the only reason they haven’t fallen down yet.”

“Well,” Frank leaned an elbow on the stall too, avoiding the carefully arranged bundles of herbs, “there were a bunch of folks from the Order of Stone that came, and a few other unaffiliated builders and carpenters that fixed the Hold up. Maybe we could get them to work on those buildings?”

Hank blew out his cheeks and raised his hands. “Not my place. I just sell herbs and help out where I can.”

“Oh come on Hank!” Frank shook his head. “I’ve only been here a few weeks and I can already see you’re a man who loves this place. And people can see that. People trust you around here.”

“They also know all my embarrassing childhood stories.”

“All the more reason to trust you,” Frank moved off the stand. “I’ve got to head back, but, think about it okay?”

“It’s not my decision to make!” Hank called after the miller as he left.

“You must know whose decision it is!” Frank called back.

Hank did. And she was stubborn.

He presented the idea to her though. Knocked on her door and told her of Frank’s offer.

“I’m not getting some weirdo from the Order of Stone to fix up those buildings!” she snapped. “They don’t understand these things.”

“Like what? They know stone, they know how to build things, they’ve been refurbishin’ the old Hold, how’s this any different?”

He knew the answer, and she gave to him.

“They’re not us.”

“If they had one of us with them then!”

“Are you volunteerin’ Hank Greenwood?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

He paused. Both his siblings had left home. It was just him and his parents to look after the pigs and to grow, gather and dry herbs. Both of these could be labour intensive, and his parents… they weren’t old. They could manage without him for a little bit.

“I am, yes.”

Her eyebrow went higher. “Well then. Let me know how you get on,” and she closed the door.

When he next saw Frank he told the miller what happened, and then everything happened, very quickly.

It didn’t take long for the builders to arrive, and Hank found himself co-ordinating between the builders from the Order and the handyfolk of Imforis. He wasn’t cut out of this! He was simple man, he prided himself on it! He wasn’t meant for giving orders like this!

But, here he was, running back and forth and trying to deal with arguments as the builders critiqued the old repairs and the local handyfolk taking that as an insult. The architects wanted to change the old buildings and were angrily and loudly shot down. Sometimes, both sides were just far too stubborn, but they slowly got something out of it.

No builder had managed to replicate the old Feadhainn architecture, and that showed. They tried to repair the oldest buildings, to make them habitable again, but some of them were too far gone. Those ones were torn down and new, more modern buildings out in their place, mostly made of local wood.

Hank could feel the ripple of anger throughout Imforis when this happened, and the new building felt like an unwelcome growth. Something you’d go into the nearest market town to see a doctor about.

He could see it from his stall, and he just rested his head on his forearms.

“Erm, excuse me?”

He lifted his head up, feeling a bit too tired to be dealing with an unfamiliar customer today.

“Yes?” he answered. The woman standing before him was clearly not from here, with curly red hair, bright blue eyes and pale skin. “Can I help you?”

“Could you tell me about some of these herbs? I don’t recognise all of them,” she said. At least she was polite, made a nice change.

Hank blinked for a second, trying to get his brain to work. Thankfully, he had learnt most of these while he was learning to read.

He rattled off a few of the more unusual ones, and the woman folded her arms, thinking before buying a few bundles.

“You look tired,” she commented as she handed over the necessary coins. “Long day?”

“Long month,” he sighed.

“Wow,” she looked around, “lots of work going on. Got anything to do with that?”

“Everything to do with it.”

The woman winced in sympathy. “I can see. It’ll be over soon enough, you’ll see,” she smiled, and then held her hand out. “I’m Fiona Flannail.”

“Hank Greenwood,” he shook. “Don’t tell me you’re involved with this lot?”

“Me? Oh no, just someone, wandering around. I’ve actually got work at the bakery,” she pointed in the right direction. “That’s what the herbs are for.”

“Never seen anyone bake with these,” Hank noted.

“Me neither!” her grin was giddy. “That’s what’s exciting!”

Hank found himself smiling too, her glee infectious. “Well, I hope you stay around for a while Miss Flannail.”

“We’ll see Mr Greenwood,” she had this odd smile on her face, which in his tired state, Hank couldn’t quite place. “Well, I’d better get to work. I’ll see you next time!” she waved and disappeared to the bakery while Hank waved back.

Fiona had been right, the construction didn’t last too long. At least, not on the old buildings. One of the builders had built up some rapport in Imforis, so built themselves a house, and became the local carpenter. Meanwhile, more people trickled to and fro from the Hold, and not everyone liked being there.

From what Hank heard, it was like a Guard base, but bigger, and not everyone wanted to live in a barracks. In fact, some people just, liked Imforis.

More houses were built. A school was built, which was a first, most people sent their children to the nearest town for schooling. All the old houses were clustered around the forest edge, but new houses built up on the north and south sides, arcing around to an extended business hub. A doctor popped up, so now they didn’t just have a herbalist.

Sitting at his stall now, with his daughter working on her school work beside him, Hank marvelling at the whole thing. In 15 years Imforis had changed into something twice, three times the size of what it had been.

It all happened, he supposed, because the Watch decided that the old tower just north of them would be perfect. How strange, that one decision could affect so many people.

(Phew, that might be the longest one I’ve done so far! To date it, well the Watch was announced May 1599, so I imagine construction would begin not too long after that.

I actually messed with my own timeline here, because Fiona wasn’t originally going to show up until 1600/1601, but given that the timeline is mostly in my head it’s pretty fluid and subject to change. Also yes, Fiona is slighlty flirting with Hank)

[culbertsons]

Bha na brownies bhon dè agus bha feadhainn dhiubh airson ar nàbaidh.

[ttaibhse]

“bha feadhainn de na h-eucoraich mhòra, mar a tha aig cuid orra - ma murtairean ‘s na drabastairean ‘s baranan mòra nan drugaichean - cuideachd ann, le an adhbharan coileanta fhèin airson na rinn iad” :/

[misneachdalba]

CAIRT THAIGHEADAIS CHEILTEACH

’S e trioblaid mhòr a th’ anns a’ chruaidh-chàs taigheadais dhùthchail a tha a’ bagairt air àm ri teachd nan coimhearsnachdan cànanaich Ceiltich.

Tha  sinne mar bhuidhnean a tha a’ riochdachadh mion-chànain nan dùthchannan  Ceilteach a’ gairm gum feumar gnìomh faochnach a dhèanamh. Feumar an  cron a rinneadh do ar cànain is an coimhearsnachdan a dhìoladh – a’ gabhail a-steach cuid de sgìrean far nach eilear tuilleadh a’ bruidhinn ar cànain.

Tha  cion-dachaigheachd a’ dol am meud, le barrachd is barrachd eu-comasach fuireach sna sgìrean aca fhèin. 'S aithreach leinn gur ann mar thoradh phoileasaidhean nan Riaghaltasan tiomnaichte is meadhanach a tha seo. Tha iad sin a’ toirt a-steach teannas is deicheadan de neo-ionnannachd eacanomaigeach a chumas na coimhearsnachdan dùthchail air ais.

Tha  sinne mar sin ag iarraidh air ar Riaghaltasan sreath phoileasaidhean a chur an gnìomh gus dèanamh cinnteach gun urrainn do dhaoine a bhios a’ fuireach is ag obair ann an coimhearsnachdan dùthchail, a’ gabhail  a-steach na feadhainn iomallaichte is à mion-shluaghan, taigh fhaighinn  anns na coimhearsnachdan sin. Bhiodh seo na bhuannachd do na cànain is  shoirbheachas nan coimhearsnachdan againn, le aire ga toirt air  co-ionnannachd chothruim a dh’aindeoin clas, cinnidh neo gnè. Bu chòir na ceumannan seo gabhail a-steach na leanas:

cuir crìoch air a’ cheudad de dhàrna taighean taobh a-staigh coimhearsnachd,

atharraich am mìneachadh a thathar a’ toirt air taigheadas aig prìs reusanta gus an gabh an ceannach aig daoine air tuarastalan àbhaisteach ionadail,

thoir barrachd riaghlachaidh is cìs pheanasach a-steach air cleachdadh dàrna thaighean airson thaighean-màil AirBnB, ri taobh mìneachadh air cleachdadh thaighean neo flataichean gu lèir mar dàrna taighean neo AirBnB,

leasaich plana ro-innleachdail airson taigheadas is turasachd ann an sgìrean dùthchail gus cur an aghaidh cion thaighean do mhuinntir an àite,

tiomnaich cumhachdan planaidh, a’ toirt a-steach targaidean taigheadais, don ìre ionadail as fhreagarraiche, agus dèan riatanach gun cuirear planadh cànain an-sàs,

dùin laigsean neo dòighean seachnaidh lagha a cheadaicheas seachnadh chìsean,

reachdas seilbhe gus prìsean a smachdachadh, taicean sònraichte do luchd-labhairt mion-chànain gus fuireach sna coimhearsnachdan aca agus gus dèanamh cinnteach gun tèid taighean bàn a chleachdadh mus bi leasachaidhean ùra ann,

till taigheadas sòisealta gu seilbh phoblach, till taigheadas nach eil ga chleachdadh gu seilbh phoblach, agus dèan cinnteach gu bheil ìre sheilbh phoblaich an lùib leasachaidhean ùra,

thoir a-steach cìs air prothaidean uachdarain gus airgead a chur ri taighean bàn is dàrna taighean a thoirt air ais gu cleachdadh nan coimhearsnachdan ionadail,

brosnaich ath-nuadhachadh agus / neo togail thaigheadais sho-sheasmhach an dà chuid ann an stuthan togail is dòighean togail,

cuir an-sàs peanasan air daoine a dhiùltas taighean a thoirt seachad air mhàl do dhaoine a tha fo ana-cothrom sam bith.

Bhideo an seo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-IgNpgQgK4&feature=emb_logo

[eiriee]

... something tells me google translate isn't the most accurate at Scottish Gaelic

Full original sentence:

"Feadhainn bhoireann ialtag a' breith còmhla air "spiris mhàthaireil""

[thewatchau]

ANOTHER AMAZING HOUSE JAMESON INSPO

So yesterday I reblogged a set of pics I stumbled across that gave me awesome western-House-Jameson vibes, both architecturally and landscape-wise. Now, here’s another one, but for EASTERN House Jameson! 

Eastern House Jameson is FAR less forested and is more rocky than the western parts, but is still pretty grassy and green up to a certain altitude, so the landscape in these pics are less accurate than the landscape in the last post. 

However, what IS super accurate is the prevalence of stonework in these houses. While Western House Jameson features architecture that uses both lumber and stone, Eastern House Jameson is almost exclusively stonework. 

Even the specific type of stonework is near identical to what I had in mind when first describing House Jameson’s eastern architecture. Unlike the smooth, brick-like stonework of Waldren and the patterned, intricate stonework of Feadhainn, the stonework in House Jameson features stones of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, creating a dynamic, rustic mosaic like you see in these pics. 

The only thing I’d change is the roofs, which probably would still feature the mossy, sod-like barrier that you see in other parts of the Southern Mountains. That being said, who knows? Just because that’s an iconic feature of House Jameson architecture doesn’t mean that it shows up on every building. 

Have any of you deers ever heard of mushroom houses before? They’re a style of house popular in Charlevoix, Michigan, USA.

I just recently discovered them, and I think they’re absolutely perfect for mori! They remind me a bit of hobbit homes. So charming!

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

[thewatchau]

Fae Folk and the Fae Realm

Most of the lore in the upcoming series will be edited compilations of dozens of posts from the last two years. While there are some minor new details sprinkled throughout, I’ve attempted to post significant new information in a “Watch AU Fun Fact” post so you don’t have to read all of these HUGE posts to find them.

Other Posts in this Series:

How Magic Works in The Watch AU • Souls: Magic’s Origin, or Vice Versa? • Becoming a Mage: Ranks and Unlocking Magic • Becoming a Mage: Magical Focuses • Magic in Nature •  Fae Folk and the Fae Realm •   Magical Fields of Study • Enchantments and Wards • Magical Records • Scrying Magic and Enchantments • Shapeshifting Enchantments •  Healing Magic and Enchantments   • Animal Communication Magic • Translation Magic • Alchemy • 

In This Post:

Overview with a brief explanation of how much of this post is necessary to understand the plot of this AU, and how much is just “deep lore.”

The Fae Realm (and Interstitial Zones), which covers the Fae Realm itself, Fae Gardens, and the Imagination Dimension

Fae Culture, including Categorization and “Courts,” Language, and Morality

Fae Magic, with a section on their strange shapeshifting abilities

Fae Interference with Souls, with sections about how Fae Folk can affect dead souls and living souls specifically.

Connection to The Enemy’s Magic and The Watch, briefly highlighting how Fae Magic could be connected to the main story of The Watch AU.

Overview

The Fae Folk are creatures of pure magic from the Fae Realm. While they rarely interact with the main story of The Watch AU, their influence is seen throughout Duilintinn and may potentially play a significant- albeit indirect- role in The Watch’s fight against The Enemy. Of the content within this post, the topic that comes up most often in the casual lore of this AU are Fae Gardens, which appear all over Duilintinn. 

The Fae Realm (and Interstitial Zones)

The Fae Realm is an entirely incorporeal world of pure magical energy which exists parallel to the Mortal Realm. It is the place of origin of both the Fae Folk and all magic. 

Unlike the Mortal Realm, where magic is either concentrated into souls or spells or else is merely a whisper in the air, the Fae Realm is full of magic. Everything from the air you breathe to the ground you walk upon is entirely made of it. Physical matter does not exist in this realm, but the air is so full of magic that souls can exist without a physical form to contain them, like spheres of oil floating in a bowl of water and refusing to dissolve. It is a world of pure energy and potential, where concepts inherent to the Mortal Realm such as time and space no longer apply. 

History

Once, the Fae Realm and the Mortal Realm were entirely separate. There was no magic anywhere in the Mortal Realm; by extension, there were no creatures with souls (including humans). However, something caused the Fae Realm and the Mortal Realm to crash into each other, and the two realms fused together like soap bubbles. While there was still a clear separation between the Mortal Realm and the Fae Realm, they would be forever connected through an ever-changing metaphysical boundary between the two. Anywhere that these two realms met, magic would leak from the Fae Realm and into the Mortal Realm. Thus, magic entered our world, leading to the creation of souls. 

Two interstitial “realms” were also formed when the Fae Realm and Mortal Realm collided: Fae Gardens and the Imagination Dimension. 

Fae Gardens:

Immediately after the Fae Realm and Mortal Realm collided, wellsprings of magic, dubbed “Fae Gardens,” appeared all over the world. 

Fae Gardens are located along the dividing line between the Mortal Realm and Fae Realm, and where magic leaked out. Since these spots are still technically located within the Mortal Realm, Fae Folk still need physical forms to exist in this area. The reason you're more likely to see Fae Folk in Fae Gardens is the same reason you are more likely to find a kid playing in their front yard than three miles down the street (which is possible, but not a very consistent thing unless there's some other reason like a friend's house; the Fae example of this would be Ocean Man).

Fae Gardens are characterized by their surreal, otherworldly environments, combining both the natural world and a sense of something Other and unnatural, as if someone or something had intentionally sculpted the landscape in cryptic, beautiful ways. One of the best examples of this natural-yet-not style of artistry is the work of Andy Goldsworthy, who creates beautiful structures in nature. For reference, I’ve posted two examples of his work below, a catalogue of his works can be found here, and the tumblr post that inspired that initial connection is reblogged here. To quote my initial reaction to seeing his work: “If a human can do this, imagine what Fae could do!”

(1, 2)

These locations are the closest most mortal beings can come to experiencing even a hint of the wonders of the separate, inaccessible Fae Realm... at least, in relative safety. Some of these places will move over time, leaving only an echo of magic behind, while other places have been stationary for centuries. It is said that all magic that has ever entered the Mortal Realm came through these sacred spots.

Meanwhile, on the night of Hallows' Eve, when all magic both good and evil are strongest, the Fae Realm envelops the Mortal Realm entirely. This turns the whole world into a temporary Fae Garden, affects all forms of magic in strange and fascinating ways, and then returns to normal the next morning. 

While Fae Gardens are found all over the world, some regions had more than others, and nowhere experienced quite as much magical influx as the Feadhainn Valley, which would be completely covered by the largest Fae Garden in the Mortal Realm. Over time, the magic that flooded this isolated region caused the local flora and fauna to evolve into the magical creatures we see in Duilintinn today, such as the Cat Sidhe, Reaper Leviathan, Gremlins, etc. Eventually, the borders of this Fae Garden would retreat into the Western Forest, but the magic itself would remain deeply entrenched in Duilintinn’s environment. To this day, Duilintinn’s  the Western Forest remains one of the most well-known permanent Fae Gardens, not just in the kingdom, but in all of Tirónar. While not all locations within the forest are connected to the Fae Realm, the magic bubbling over and between both realms has made the entire forest a magically volatile place. You never know what you might find there… 

Imagination Dimension 

Unlike Fae Gardens, which are spaces in the Mortal Realm that are heavily influenced by their proximity to the Fae Realm, the Imagination Dimension is located in both realms simultaneously, taking on the traits of both and neither. 

Unlike the Fae Realm, physical matter does exist in the Imagination Dimension. This means that mortals can come and go from the Imagination Dimension without their soul being ripped away from their physical form. 

Unlike Fae Gardens, mortals cannot simply wander into and out of the Imagination Dimension. Instead, they must be brought into or released from the realm by a member of the Fae Folk. This makes any attempts to study or intentionally explore this realm extremely difficult and dangerous, either because the Fae don’t feel like letting someone in or because those who enter never return.

Unlike the Mortal Realm, there is a much higher density of ambient magic in the Imagination Dimension, more similar to that of the Fae Realm. This particular detail has the most consequences upon the nature of the Imagination Dimension and how it differs from other realms. 

First, it means that souls can exist and retain their identity without being contained by a physical form. As a result, Fae Folk do not need to create a physical body like they do when visiting the Mortal Realm, but they could put one on if they wish to. 

Second, it completely negates all Laws of Magic for any beings that exist within it. Existing in this strange dimension allows mortals to wield incredible powers, completely unlimited by the Laws of Magic or their own magical prowess. 

Third, and most significant, however, the longer that a mortal stays in the Imagination Dimension, the longer their soul becomes acclimated to the Fae Realm. While the Imagination Dimension allows mortals to keep their physical forms, it also allows mortals to shed them, existing as the Fae do without any physical form to hold them back. Oftentimes, souls who spend too long in the Imagination Dimension will drift away from their bodies as they get swept up by all the magic and abilities they possess in this realm. Once they let go of their physical form, however, that body is gone for good, and they can never return back to the Mortal Realm as they once were. 

Since mortal souls cannot leave the Imagination Dimension without the help of a member of the Fae Folk, one of several things could happen to a soul that has drifted away from its body in the Imagination Dimension. If they are allowed to leave the dimension and enter the Fae Realm, they often become members of the Fae themselves. If they are allowed to leave the dimension and reenter the Mortal Realm, they will pass on like any other soul whose physical form has died. 

If, however, a member of the Fae refuses to let the soul out of the Imagination Dimension, they can be forced to just drift around forever trapped in limbo between the Mortal Realm and the Fae Realm, with all the powers they desire but no way to pass on or return home. Some of these souls will actually use the magic of the Imagination Dimension to craft seemingly real physical bodies for themselves; however, if they find themselves outside of the Imagination Dimension, the illusion will dissipate and the soul will disperse and pass on. 

Please note that the Imagination Dimension is considered “deep lore” for the purposes of this AU. Its primary canonical significance to the story lies with the nomadic Fae Cult of Fasithe, which has little connection to Duilintinn beyond some minor backstory importance to certain characters. There is a side story written by some of the folks on discord relating to this dimension, as well as a chance that this realm will play a larger role in the story in relation to The Enemy’s magic, but otherwise, I’d rather keep this dimension in the category of “super deep lore” rather than bring it headlong into the main story. 

Fae Culture 

Categorization and "Courts" 

While many legends say that the Fae Folk divide themselves into “courts,” much like how the humans of the Mortal Realm have nations as a source of organization and identity, this isn’t exactly the case. 

Since the Fae Realm lacks a physical landscape in the same, tangible way we understand it in the Mortal Realm, the concept of land, borders, and regional divisions is an alien concept to Fae Folk. Nor do they care about mortal politics and land boundaries, unless they are a particularly abnormal individual with a passion or interest that leads them to take a more vested interest in the Mortal Realm (i.e. Ocean Man, everyone involved in Fasithe, etc.). As a result, the politics and cultural divisions of the Fae look very different from those of mortals. 

While it’s almost impossible for mortals to understand these dynamics, the Fae Folk do seem to create something akin to a group identity when they use similar physical forms in the Mortal Realm. The Fae can shapeshift into anything, yet many intentionally mimic the same form in the Mortal Realm. For example, Brownies are instantly recognizable as a specific type of Fae, both in form and deeds. The fact that a whole group of Fae Folk have dedicated themselves to being weird, cryptid housekeepers for the rest of eternity implies that there is some sort of group identity involved in that decision. As a result of this and other similar observations, most scholars on the topic believe that the Fae categorize themselves not according to politics or region, but by how they use their magic, somewhat akin to the guilds built to unite members of similar occupations. If this were the case, it seems that not all Fae Folk are members of such communities, but that this group identification is an optional preference. Additionally, Fae cults (such as Fasithe) would fall under a similar definition by Fae standards. 

Even though the term “Court” is still associated with a physical location or political affiliation, many have taken to using the term for this new occupation-based way of categorizing the Fae. This is in part due to a lack of better terminology and a natural tendency to project familiar cultural norms in an attempt to understand the unfamiliar. Additionally, the Fae have made little effort to correct the use of this term. Much like how it is near impossible for mortals to understand the dynamics of the Fae in their own realm, many Fae Folk seem to view mortals with similar confusion. Between our limited magic, physical forms, verbal communication, and other strange superstitions regarding the Fae, many of the Fae seem to be convinced that mortals are completely inscrutable. 

Additionally, it’s impossible to know how old a member of the Fae is. Time passes differently in the Fae Realm, and they rarely pay enough attention to mortal affairs to be able to remember historic milestones such as the Waldren Occupation or Interim Years. Age isn’t a factor in Fae culture or politics any more than our mortal ideas of national identity is. 

Language 

There is no Fae “language” in the way beings in the Mortal Realm would define it. 

In the Fae Realm, souls are free from the boundaries of a physical shell and communicate without using language at all. This form of communication is often described as being just short of mind reading. Without the physical body containing the soul, there are no walls preventing a soul from simply extending a piece of their soul towards the souls around it, thereby giving those nearby an insight into their “thoughts” and allowing them to understand their thoughts/instincts/emotions/whatever on a fundamental, intrinsic level. There are variations to this form of communication; much like how a person can mumble under their breath, speak out loud but to no one in particular, or project their voice to address someone directly, souls in the Fae Realm have similar degrees of specificity for how they project their thoughts. 

This, btw, is the same thing that happens when a mage communicates with animals.

In the Mortal Realm, Fae Folk will either not speak at all, or use the physical form they’ve shaped for themselves to speak in whatever way they wish. Fae Folk seem to understand and speak most, if not all, mortal languages by default, though the physical limitations of the form they take might limit their ability to vocalize all of the sounds in every language. Be careful though; even if they don’t seem to speak your language doesn’t mean they don’t understand you.  You aren't keeping secrets from them, not in that way at least. Thankfully, they cannot read the minds of beings in the Mortal Realm in the same way they can perceive other souls in the Fae Realm, but that starts to change if one strays too far into a Fae Garden where the border between those two realms is thin...

Morality 

The Fae Folk don’t have the same objective moral code based around the concepts of right and wrong that are prevalent in human society. As such, the Fae Folk are never intentionally malicious. Instead, the Fae Folk value honesty and the keeping of promises over morality or intention. 

This is largely due to the way that the Fae Folk communicate while in the Fae Realm. As explained above, very few thoughts are private among the Fae. Imagine living in a world where everyone was forced to whisper aloud every thought that goes through their head, and you’d get the idea. This leads to two major differences between Fae communication and mortal communication: 

Stray intrusive thoughts that one doesn’t really intend to say would be heard regardless.

Even in intentional conversation, there is no room for lies or wordplay; the only option is to be honest. 

The first factor could be disastrous for any society, especially when taken in tandem with the second. Conversations would be virtually nonexistent as people jump to conclusions based on each other’s initial reactions. Perhaps this was once the case in Fae culture. However, the Fae as we know them today have a strict code of respect towards what is stated explicitly and “verbally” (i.e. intentionally) above all else. All other stray thoughts and feelings that broadcast throughout the Fae Realm are ignored as a matter of courtesy. Unlike mortals, who often take into account supplementary information perceived from physical, nonverbal forms of communication such as body language, sarcasm, and implied meaning, the constant background noise of additional thoughts and reactions in the Fae Realm is studiously ignored in favor of exact, precise interpretations of what has been stated intentionally. 

The second factor has an additional consequence for Fae interactions with mortals. Not only is dishonesty nonexistent in Fae culture, but they presume that others will act the same way. Breaking a promise or telling a lie is considered to be unnatural, dangerous, and an outright declaration of hostility. Since only mortals are able to tell such lies and often come from cultures where some form of deception (whether out of politeness or security) is the norm, this fundamental breakdown in communication and difference in moral code is the source of the majority of “incidents” between members of the Fae and mortals. 

For example, if a member of the Fae directly states “I am going to attack you,” and then attacks someone, they consider that to be a perfectly reasonable, morally acceptable act, since they were perfectly honest about their intentions. By contrast, a mortal would consider that action to be blatantly antagonistic. Likewise, a mortal might agree to something the Fae asked out of a desire to be polite, but never intending to follow through, only to be hunted down by the Fae when they realize the mortal was not telling the truth. 

However, none of this means that the Fae are incapable of misdirection or subversion. In fact, they excel at stating one thing and meaning something entirely different. There might be multiple ways of interpreting a single statement, the most well-known example being the question, “May I have your name?” Much like a Magical Focus, as long as the speaker/listener truly believes that their interpretation of the sentence is applicable, then it’s considered “truth”. Mortals have to be careful when trying to play this game (it’s far safer to be outright rude and brutally honest than to mess up and be perceived as dishonest), but some are known to be very good at it. 

Fae Magic 

Fae magic has an element of "heck idk i guess anything works.” Within the Fae Realm, their abilities are seemingly limitless. In the Mortal Realm, they’re somewhat bound to the Laws of Magic, but even then, they can bend the rules significantly in ways we don’t entirely understand, and likely never will. 

Even in a physical form in the Mortal Realm, Fae Folk do not need a magical focus, and have at least some ability to shape fundamental aspects of Mortal Realm to their whim (i.e. Changeling bodies, Fae Gardens). 

Shapeshifting 

While the Fae do not need physical bodies to contain their souls while in the Fae Realm, the same is not true when they venture into the Mortal Realm. There, they use their unique shapeshifting abilities to don various and ever-changing physical forms like a mortal might don different colors of tunic each morning. No one knows exactly how they create these physical forms, but many have been lucky enough to see a member of the Fae Folk slip from one form to another, as smoothly as the sun slipping behind a cloud.

Based on this information, we know that despite the different names given to the Fae creatures we discover in the Mortal Realm, all Fae creatures are the same sort of being. We wouldn’t call knights a different “type” of human, despite their similar attire, occupation, and use of violence under stress; the same goes for the creatures we have given names to such as “brownie” and “water horse.” One of the most common misnomers for the Fae Folk is "fairies," which is considered a slightly rustic, uneducated term by experts. Thankfully, the Fae do not seem to mind these categorizations, as mortals can be particularly obsessed with categorizing things sometimes.

The Fae also use this unique shapeshifting ability on other things in the Mortal Realm, not just their own physical forms. For example, Fae Gardens are known for their unique artistry, where the natural world is seemingly shaped by some invisible hand into a surreal piece of art. Most believe that the Fae Folk are responsible for these environmental changes within a Fae Garden, using their shapeshifting abilities to mold the world around them. Similarly, this shapeshifting ability also likely plays a role in how the Fae create physical bodies for changelings, using both the discarded shells of mortal souls that have passed on and any other materials found in the environment of the Fae Garden.

Shapeshifting to this degree of power is a skill unique to the Fae Folk. While mortal mages can shapeshift themselves or others to some degree, the amount of magical energy it requires to sustain the enchantment is immense, and extremely limited by the intensity of the change and the distance between themselves and their target. By contrast, Fae shapeshifting isn’t an enchantment at all, but some sort of inherent ability that leaves a permanent impact on the world around them. 

Fae Interference with Souls

Interference with Dead Souls 

While the Fae prefer to keep to themselves and stay out of mortal affairs, there is one interesting tradition with which they aid the souls of Mortal Realm. When a body is left behind in or near a Fae Garden, a member of the Fae will gather up the magic of the deceased’s soul and bring it with them to the Fae Realm. There, the soul will be offered a choice; to stay within the Fae Realm and become one of the Fae, or to pass on like other mortal souls. Those who decide to stay will retain only a faint memory of their past life. For example, it is said that the Fae who take the form of Brownies in the Mortal Realm are the souls of dead homemakers, caretakers, servants, or farmers who desired to continue caring for their land and/or home as a member of the Fae Folk. Since these souls have already lived a mortal life, the Fae cannot/will not give them the option to return to the mortal world and begin anew. 

However, for souls that perished before they were able to experience more than the tiniest amount of life, the Fae Folk offer a special gift. Infants are buried in Fae Gardens in the hopes that the Fae will find the infant soul somewhere comfortable for it to spend its eternal rest. It is said that these infant souls who grow up in the Fae Realm will sometimes be given a chance to return to the human realm in the form of changelings. How the Fae folk create a corporeal and mortal body and then place the soul into it is a secret that the Fae Folk refuse to share, although it is likely similar to how the Fae shape their own physical forms when visiting the Mortal Realm.

Additionally, the Fae can also sense and communicate with souls that have dispersed themselves across a specific area after death, though they rarely choose to do so. While other beings with a certain affinity for magic can often sense a faint echo of a presence in these spaces, only Fae Folk can connect with the souls of the dead in this way. Even changelings lose this ability when they are reborn into the Mortal Realm. However, most Fae Folk don’t particularly care about such things.

Interference with Living Souls 

While the Fae Folk can take the soul from a dead body in the Mortal Realm and escort it to the Fae Realm, they cannot steal the soul from a living being so easily. The soul is too tied up within its physical form and will refuse to be pulled away from their still-functioning body while within the Mortal Realm. 

However, once you enter the fringes of the Fae Realm, that begins to change.

Fae Gardens are technically still within the Mortal Realm, where a member of the Fae cannot remove your soul and take it back to the Fae Realm with them. However, if given the opportunity, a member of the Fae can temporarily grasp at your soul if you are in a Fae Garden, which can overwhelm you with their emotions and incline you to do their bidding. 

This emotional “aura” is likely the result of the proximity between the Fae Soul and the Mortal Soul, similar to the mechanics behind Animal Communication magic or the non-verbal communication of the Fae within their own realm. Some have even compared this phenomenon to a subtler version of The Enemy’s abilities to manipulate and control others, as well as the mood swings experienced by people under the Influence Curse. 

Thankfully, most people are not in danger of this soul-meddling, even those who often travel to Fae Gardens. The Fae Folk are always very explicit about their intentions, albeit in their own way, and if you have your wits about you, you can quickly leave the garden before the Fae Folk try anything.

However, the risk increases if you travel deep into a Fae Garden, due to the increasing proximity to the Fae Realm, or if you share your name or other significant identifying information with a member of the Fae, which gives them a better understanding of your soul (the source of your identity) and makes it easier for them to grasp.

Within the Imagination Dimension, on the other hand, souls are liable to slip away from their physical form, never to return. And if a mortal is ever unlucky enough to be pulled straight into the actual Fae Realm in some horrible, unprecedented act of Fae interference, their soul will be ripped from their body whether they want to or not. The Fae Realm is entirely made of magic, and while the Imagination Dimension is still enough of a middle ground to allow for loosely connected physical forms, the Fae Realm is not.

Connection to The Enemy’s Magic and The Watch

There is an extremely likely theory that The Enemy's magic, which can manipulate the reality of the Mortal Realm (especially souls) without a particular focus, is some corrupted form of Fae Magic. 

This theory is backed up by an old Feadhainn account called The Ranger's Tale, which was distributed throughout The Watch back in August 1614. Since then, Fae Studies have become something of great interest to The Watch. 

The Ranger’s Tale: Original Version, with notes on its significance

The Ranger’s Tale: Vernacular Translation, for easier reading

Prior to this discovery, we assumed that the Fae Folk were so isolated and disinterested in the Mortal Realm. Common policy was “Don’t mess with them and they won’t mess with us.” As a result, Fae Studies were just seen as a scholarly hobby, with few practical applications. 

Now, of course, things are different. As it turns out, they have been messing with us for decades, albeit indirectly. If The Enemy’s magic is truly a form of corrupted Fae Magic, understanding these inscrutable, otherworldly beings may be our only hope for survival.

[thewatchau]

Cordoire Castle: Home of King Sean of Duilintinn

Most of the lore in the upcoming series will be edited compilations of dozens of posts from the last two years. While there are some minor new details sprinkled throughout, I’ve attempted to post significant new information in a “Watch AU Fun Fact” post so you don’t have to read all of these HUGE posts to find them.

Other Posts in this Series:

Major Cities of Duilintinn: Aghaboy • Mulladún • Monacoil • Fionport • Noefrach • Cordoire • Cordoire Castle 

In this Post:

Summary

History

Layout, including sections on the central keep, inner gate, outer wall, lower bailey, and outer yard. 

Trivia

Additional Art

Summary

Cordoire Castle (sometimes referred to as King Sean’s Castle) is a large complex located on the southern edge of the city of Cordoire, Duilintinn’s capital. It is both the home and seat of King Sean McLoughlin, the current leader of Duilintinn. 

History

Most scholars believe that the hill where the castle now sits was artificially constructed during the Feadhainn Era, most likely while building a fortress in the style of a Motte and Bailey castle. However, the hill is the only remaining evidence of previous development prior to Waldren’s construction of Cordoire. 

During the Feadhainn Era, the Mondaidh Plains were much more forested, with its residents building their homes from the readily available lumber. Most of these structures would have rotted away long ago, or else lay buried deep beneath Cordoire’s heavy stone foundations, hence why no other evidence has been found. A shell keep was then built atop of the hill, likely a prototype structure built prior to Feadhainn’s golden age and the construction of cities such as Mulladún and Monacoil. 

Records show that when the Waldren Trade Enterprise began occupying the Feadhainn Valley, the foundations of the Feadhainn Era shell keep still remained on the large hill where Cordoire now sits. Thanks to its strategic position at the top of the Beinnfaire Ridge, Waldren decided to construct a large fortress in this area, which would function as the launching point for all operations further west into the valley. 

When rebuilding the shell keep, Waldren used the existing foundations to preserve resources and save time. As a result, much of the keep’s shape still resembles classic Feadhainn architecture, although the materials and design sensibilities come from Waldren’s architectural style. From there, the keep was expanded into a full castle with a fully populated bailey and its own outer walls. 

From here, the history of Cordoire castle is identical to that of the city it overlooks. Several powerful groups fought over the power vacuum in the city until the future King Sean besieged the city and forced them out. Once Duilintinn was founded, Cordoire was named the kingdom’s capital and Cordoire Castle became both the home and seat of power for the new king, which it has remained to this day. 

Layout

Centered around the shell keep perched atop the artificially constructed hill on the southern edge of Cordoire, the castle’s rich history is visible in its Feadhainn and Occupation Era architectural sensibilities.  It consists of several sections: a Central Keep, an Inner Gate, a walled bailey, and an extensive yard used for both entertainment and defensive purposes. 

Central Keep:

The central keep of King Sean’s Castle was built on the foundations of an ancient Feadhainn Shell Keep, which in turn was probably built on the site of an old Motte and Bailey castle. 

For context, a Motte and Bailey Castle consists of a fence-encircled keep built on a large, artificially constructed hill (the Motte) and a lower courtyard (the Bailey). These keeps were usually made from wood, which decomposes quickly, leaving only the hill behind as evidence of its location. A Shell Keep is an evolution of the Motte and Bailey model, featuring a circular stone structure on a hill instead of a wooden, fenced building. The term “shell” comes from the lack of a roof over the structure. Rather, the keep would be arranged like a donut, with buildings located along the inner edge of the stone “shell” and an open-air courtyard in the center. 

Feadhainn architecture loves the concept of shell keeps, with cities such as Mulladún and Monacoil demonstrating how much they expanded upon the circular motif with feats of architecture so advanced, they may as well not be called shell keeps anymore. By contrast, the central keep of King Sean’s castle is a relatively simple and straightforward example of a shell keep, likely built prior to Feadhainn’s Golden Age. 

The buildings located within the central keep of King Sean’s castle are two stories high, built from both wood and stone with flat roofs that allow for a balcony-esque view over the top of the shell wall. 

The first floor of these buildings would be used for important political matters, with arguably the most important room being the throne room. From here,  King Sean holds court and gives daily proclamations if he decides to do so indoors. This would be where the paintings that were destroyed hung, before their destruction in late September 1614 (Ref: 1 2). During these indoor proclamations, important members of King Sean's court would have the privilege of observing the proceedings from within the throne room. People outside the government who are lucky enough to get a front-row seat for the proclamation stand in the inner courtyard, while the remaining crowd overflow will gather outside the keep, in the castle bailey. However, such indoor proclamations are rare. When he can, King Sean prefers to climb the stairs to the top of the keep and give his speech from the parapets, where everyone in both the inner and outer courtyard would be able to see him. 

The second floor of King Sean’s castle is reserved for the King and his household. No one is allowed in this part of the castle without the express permission of the king and is heavily protected with both magical and mundane defenses. In all of Duilintinn, this part of the castle is  one of the few places that The Watch has never had access too. If any of the Missing Lords were located in Cordoire, this is certainly where they’d be hidden. 

Inner Gate (and other defenses):

When facing the keep from within the bailey, an inner gate can be seen to its left. The gate is flanked by two asymmetrical towers; one larger that is part of the outer wall, and one smaller that juts into the bailey itself.  

At the base of the motte where the central keep stands is an additional wall and a small moat. The wall stands around fifteen feet high and wraps around the entire motte, including the half that protrudes beyond the castle’s outer walls. Similarly, the moat circles the entire motte, ducking under the outer walls of the castle through sturdy grates. Unlike the moat around the city proper, the castle moat is small enough to be filled by simply pumping water into and out of the trench using the city’s waterworks, making it more akin to a small river than a true stationary moat. As a result, the moat around the central keep of the castle is far more efficient and functional than its larger counterpart. Taken together, both the walls and moat around the motte ensure that the inner gate is the only way to enter the central keep.

Once one passes through the inner gate, visitors must pass through a stone complex with a large square tower looming overhead. This barracks houses the guards who protect the castle and would respond to any attempts to breach the motte or inner gate. Beyond this complex is a walled path that leads over the moat’s bridge and up several flights of stairs up the hill and to the central keep. 

Outer Wall:

The wall surrounds the entire castle, with the central keep at one corner, effectively cutting the motte in half. Only half of the wall surrounding the motte is located inside the bailey itself, with the rest jutting out beyond the larger walled area. 

In addition to the guard tower within the inner gate, eight large circular towers are spread at intervals along the wall surrounding the bailey. One of these towers is incorporated in the Inner Gate, while another is directly adjacent to the central keep. The gate into this walled area is also flanked by two smaller towers. Totalled together, this means the castle has a total of 12 towers: eight large circular towers, three smaller towers, and one large square tower. 

Like the central keep, significant magical and mundane defenses line the outer walls. Heavy wards and enchantments nullify almost every sort of magic that might allow someone to enter the castle unnoticed or cause harm to its occupants, although doing so without interfering with the magic used within the castle itself is an inexact science at best. Guards and Watchers patrol the outer wall, armed with every defensive tool at their disposal. 

Lower Bailey:

The lower bailey is the area within the outer wall that extends north from the base of the motte. This area makes up the majority of the castle complex and consists of a large courtyard and several buildings in the Occupation Era architectural style. 

The courtyard is a large semicircle pointed in the direction of the center keep. Covering nearly nine thousand square feet, this is where the large crowds gather for the king’s public proclamations. 

The buildings in this area fulfill most of the functions expected of a more modern castle that wouldn’t fit in the central keep. For example, one such building is a large great hall, used for events such as feasts and dances. Other buildings include guest and staff housing, stables, kitchens, and other such facilities. Some gardens and green spaces can also be found between these structures. 

There are several occasions in which the general public can enter the lower bailey of the castle. For example, people can view public proclamations from the courtyard on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, the bailey is often opened for holiday celebrations, with festivities in both the courtyard and some of the other buildings. However, the doors aren’t simply open for anyone to wander in or out; all visitors to the bailey are checked in and out by guards at the gate and a strict capacity limit is usually observed. This somewhat mitigates the massive security risk these events bring to the castle; if an agent of The Enemy were to enter with the crowds, at least they’d be unable to do so anonymously, and guards would know if someone had never left after the celebrations were concluded. 

Outer Yard

Between the outer wall of Cordoire Castle and the walls of the city itself is a large, green space. 

Close to the castle itself, this space is very similar to the grounds of most castles, with gardens, groves, and various buildings for both recreational and upkeep purposes. This area spreads out approximately a quarter mile out from the castle itself.  

Beyond this area, the yard is mostly empty space with absolutely no buildings or dense plantlife. This area primarily serves a defensive purpose; anyone attempting to rush the castle would have to run a significant distance without any hiding spots, in clear sight of the guards on the castle walls. This additional precaution is especially important since Cordoire castle is located on the southern edge of the city, allowing attackers to target it without having to wade through the rest of the city proper. 

While defense is the primary purpose of this area, the space is not put to waste. Several walking and riding paths meander across the flat grasses and streams that fill this area, occasionally passing by fields of low-lying crops (such as root vegetables) that supplement the castle’s food supplies. It’s rather humble in comparison to the castle grounds of other lands, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in practicality. 

Trivia

Many features and details of Cordoire Castle are inspired by parts of the UK’s Windsor Castle, chosen because of similarities between its Round Tower and Cordoire Castle’s central keep. 

Additional Art

One of the earliest concept sketches of the castle. As you can see, the inner gate and courtyard are both missing. 

A three-dimensional depiction of the map above. Arguably one of the best depictions of the central keep itself, despite the inaccurate scaling and missing features. 

An annotated screenshot taken from Google Maps of Windsor Castle that simulates the scale and layout of Cordoire Castle. This exercise led to the addition of the inner gate. 

The following sketch was heavily based on the a Google Street-View image of the Norman Gate in a rough attempt to visualize what such a gate might look like in Cordoire Castle. 

This is the same to-scale sketch of Cordoire castle used at the top of this post. However, when I originally drew it, I accidentally laid it out as a mirror-image of the real thing. While the image at the top of the post is more accurate to reality, I wanted to include the original here so that you can read the notes along the side. As you can see, this was the point when the keep’s watchtower and the main courtyard were added to the layout. 

Last but not least, this was an attempt to visualize the new layout of the castle in three dimensions. While obviously imperfect in both scaling and detail, this is the only 3D sketch so far that shows the keep’s watchtower and bridge.

[thewatchau]

Duilintinn’s Languages: Feadhainn Language

Most of the lore in the upcoming series will be edited compilations of dozens of posts from the last two years. While there are some minor new details sprinkled throughout, I’ve attempted to post significant new information in a “Watch AU Fun Fact” post so you don’t have to read all of these HUGE posts to find them.

Other Posts in this Series:

Introduction • Common Tongue • Feadhainn Language • Duil Sign Language

In this Post

Summary

History

Writings

Trivia

Summary

The Feadhainn language (also simply called Feadhainn) was first spoken by the Feadhainn civilization that inhabited Duilintinn a millennia ago, during a period known as the Feadhainn Era.

History

Both the verbal and written usage of this language survived both the devastation of the Dragon War and the influence of Waldren and the Common Tongue. Despite Waldren's attempts to enforce the usage of their language throughout Tirónar, Feadhainn remained widely spoken throughout the Draoidh Valley and Monaidh Plains for decades, with most place-names retaining their ancient names.

In the end, the convenience of the Common Tongue in a continent dominated by Waldren caused the Feadhainn language to fade from use. Today, the Feadhainn language is barely spoken in Duilintinn. For most citizens, it only survives in the kingdom's place-names- including the name "Duilintinn" itself.

Fortunately, historians and linguists are attempting to preserve and rediscover the lost elements of Feadhainn's language through the use of translation magic, scholarly research, and the accounts passed through the generations of Feadhainn's descendants.

Writings 

The script used for the Feadhainn Language began as a way to write down the math used in the process of diverting the Agrona River. Soon after Feadhainn's Golden Age began, this script was expanded upon to be used for writing.

Visually, this script resembles the real-world Ogham, with characters written top to bottom.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of Feadhainn writings were destroyed during the dragon war. What little we know about Feadhainn now is almost entirely passed down through oral storytelling, which makes their history even more difficult to recover.

The few written works that did survive were either passed down through the generations as family heirlooms or discovered during the renovations of Feadhainn Era settlements. Most of what was recovered had been found in Monacoil, which had been slightly better preserved by the mages who settled there during the Interim Years. However, most of what would have initially survived the war had been ruined or destroyed long ago, as people continued to live in these ancient cities, and very little has been found.

In addition, reading these records is extremely difficult. The script of Feadhainn, much like their language, has been almost entirely forgotten. Only a handful of people of Feadhainn descent can read or write anything at all, and rudimentary fluency is only found in people who dedicate their lives to studying it. Even then, some exact translations of certain letters have been lost. And again, even if we knew exactly how to read the script, we'd then also have to be able to read the language itself. 

What little that has been translated is usually the result of cooperation between mages and scholars of the Feadhainn language. With the aid of someone familiar with the language, translation magic can be used with limited success to read Feadhainn texts.

Trivia

The Feadhainn Language is a heavily bastardized Scottish Gaelic, due to the author's lack of knowledge regarding its proper use, pronunciation, grammar, etc. Prior to adapting the world of The Watch AU into a novel, the author plans to dedicate further research into the proper use of this language, potentially tweaking or overhauling the Feadhainn language entirely.

The absence of the Feadhainn Language in Duilintinn's modern culture is in part inspired by the use of Elven in Bioware's Dragon Age series.

[thewatchau]

Duilintinn’s Languages: Introduction

Most of the lore in the upcoming series will be edited compilations of dozens of posts from the last two years. While there are some minor new details sprinkled throughout, I’ve attempted to post significant new information in a “Watch AU Fun Fact” post so you don’t have to read all of these HUGE posts to find them.

Other Posts in this Series:

Introduction • Common Tongue • Feadhainn Language • Duil Sign Language

In this Post

Summary

Duil Colloquialisms

Summary

The most common language spoken in Duilintinn is the Common Tongue, which originated in Waldren and now features several different variants and accents throughout Tirónar. There are three accents of this language spoken in Duilintinn: a Feadhainn accent, a Waldren accent, and a "default" accent that doesn't sound like either. The Feadhainn accent sounds vaguely Irish and mostly is found west of the Guardian River, while the Waldren accent sounds like a stereotypical "posh" British accent and is mostly found east of the Guardian River. 

The Feadhainn Language, which originated in the Draoidh Valley and Monaidh Plains, has been mostly forgotten. Until recently, it has only been preserved through the names of locations and a few culturally significant phrases passed down through the generations. In an effort to preserve the language, while most landmarks in Duilintinn have had several names over the years, modern Duilintinn officially recognizes the old Feadhainn names for the majority of these landmarks. In addition, groups of historians have begun to uncover old texts that seem to be in Feadhainn and are attempting to revive the script and language through these discoveries.

Duilintinn has had a form of universal sign language since its founding. While it is used throughout the kingdom, it is extremely common among members of The Watch, who use it during their operations.

Finally, Duilintinn’s population is diverse enough that many other languages spoken in Tirónar are also spoken in the kingdom. 

Duil Colloquialisms

People from Duilintinn have a variety of colloquialisms that distinguish their use of the Common Tongue from that in other parts of Tirónar. 

Sam-isms

Samwise the King's Eye has become a national symbol of Duilintinn's culture. As such, many of Duilintinn's colloquialisms reference him. These include, but aren't limited to:

How in Sam's name

By the Eye

What in the name of the King's [optional explicative] Eye

The Enemy

Meanwhile, using "The Enemy" as an explicative would be like a major swear. Like if you say "Enemy take you" or something similar, you are burning ALL of those bridges right then and there. Everyone knows someone who The Enemy did take through his puppetry, so saying something like that is going to hit a nerve. It's basically like saying "go to hell," except, in this case, everyone has actually seen people get dragged to hell already.  

That being said, "Enemy take it all," when directed at a general situation rather than a person, is sometimes used. It's a very intense curse, but heck, these are intense times. Not everyone might approve depending on their sensitivity to such things, but they'll certainly understand. 

The less intense version of all these explicatives is, of course, saying "Anti" instead of "The Enemy." I still wouldn't recommend saying it to a person, unless you both know it's a morbid joke (gallows humor and all that). And swearing at situations, in general, using "Anti" is basically the equivalent of simultaneously saying, "This sucks and so does The Enemy, he can have this entire mess, the incompetent bastard," because you're using the mocking nickname.

Some people will reference the missing Lords, either out of reverence or sometimes humor. These range from phrases as simple as "Oh my lords" to ones as ridiculous as "You're so stupid, the Lords are returning even as we speak just to tell you to shut up." Some reference specific lords, with the name of King Sean himself being particularly popular to evoke. Lord Schneeplestein, with his unique accent and manner of speaking, has accidentally coined a few popular phrases as people imitate his iconic mannerisms.

Lord-isms

Some people will reference the missing Lords, either out of reverence or sometimes humor. These range from phrases as simple as "Oh my lords" to ones as ridiculous as "You're so stupid, the Lords are returning even as we speak just to tell you to shut up." Some reference specific lords, with the name of King Sean himself being particularly popular to evoke. Lord Schneeplestein, with his unique accent and manner of speaking, has accidentally coined a few popular phrases as people imitate his iconic mannerisms.

Misc Others

Finally, religious sayings are still used among members of those demographics. This includes those who revere the Fae being known as Ocean Man, who often evoke his name in phrases such as "Holy Ocean Man."