Cothromaíocht (Balance) (Pre 283 AP)

Cothromaíocht (CAH-roh-may-ahkt) Language: Cothromaíochtal (CAH-roh-may-ahkt-ahl) (Meaning: Balance. Origin: Irish Gaelic)
Colors: Yellow (Air, Intellect, Eloquence), Green (Sky, Water, Sleep, Twilight), Black (Universe, Banishing Negativity)
The Cothromaíocht live in the forested hills and cliffs along the northern coast of Eshana (the storm coast and the green coast), culturally divided from their cousins the Athrú they believe in balance above all else, living in balance with nature and the elements, they cut down only what trees they need and preserve the woodlands and forest around them, holding them sacred. They record everything, believing in the preservation of knowledge and created the Grand Archive as the first library to hold it. They are a neutral but peaceful people, who do not approve of interfering with nature and balance.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Cothromaíochtal (CAH-roh-may-ahkt-ahl) (Irish and Scottish Gaelic)

Average technological level

Written word (first full alphabet), Calander, Loom machinery, Tapestries, Soap, Stonemasonry, Pottery, The Wheel, Triremes, Irrigation, Windmills, Leatherworking, Fletching, the Longbow, Flutes, Bagpipes.

Common Etiquette rules

You will be asked if you want tea, but you will have tea regardless. The question is a mere formality.
A firm handshake with eye contact is standard. Handshakes are used at both the beginning and end of a conversation. Using the person’s first name, even if you don’t know them, is typically appropriate for etiquette.
The correct responses to "How are you?" are "Grand.", "Could be worse." or "Not too bad." regardless of truth.

Common Dress code

Warm clothing of wool or cotton, often with a scarf, shawl or short cape woven in their family's colors and pattern.

Art & Architecture

Art: Elaborate tapestries depicting family histories and world events, Woven family patterns (tartans), Calligraphy.
Architecture: Stone castles, stained glass windows (new), Stone and Wood lathes.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Harvest and lunar festivals.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

A candle is lit in the child's room and must be kept lit for a full day after they're born (considered an ill omen if it goes out), and their name is announced the next day.

Coming of Age Rites

Must weave themselves into the family tapestry with a symbol of their chosen profession or skillset. Must travel alone into the deep forest on the eve of their 19th birthday and commune with nature for a full day, when they return the following morning a celebration is held.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The wake will traditionally be held in the home of the deceased or at the home of a close relative; this is known as the wake house. A room will be ready for the deceased. Candles are placed at the head and foot of the coffin and stay lit while the deceased is still present in the house. Family members or close friends will stay with the deceased at all times taking it in shifts to watch over the departed. All clocks in the house will be stopped at the time the person died and all mirrors will be covered or turned to face the wall as a mark of respect. Also, traditionally all the curtains will be closed. The body is typically buried in a local cemetery, near family or in a family mausoleum.

Common Taboos

Tampering with graves, or otherwise dishonoring the dead. Speaking loudly in a public setting.

Common Myths and Legends

(Major: Stories, Truth and Lies: The Storyteller (Sguelaiche), Secondary: Sky and Weather: Storm Bringer (Tintreach), Forests and Trees: The Forest Guardian (Keita), Poems, Music, Art, and Song: The Muse (Duane))

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Long well-groomed hair, Braids (including in beards if applicable), Freckles, finely woven colorful garments, silver and pewter jewelry with colored beads.

Major organizations

The Oddessy Weavers Guild (Grand Archive)

Diverged ethnicities

• Qaceor (Turn it Gold ) (After 518AP)