Kiltoi

The Kiltoi (/ˈkɪl tɔɪ/; Kiltic: Ceilteach [ˈkɪl tɑx]) are an ancient race of siminid humans unified by their common language, culture, history and ancestry, who are native in modern times to eastern Heremonia, and the Nolverian Peninsula in the west. The origins of the Kiltic language and ethnic culture are the subject of much scholarly debate. The historical record first identifies them with any degree of certainty in ancient Érevon, but there is no consensus yet on how or exactly when they arrived there. Kiltic legend suggests their roots lie far to the east in central Heberia.

From their homeland in Érevon, the Kiltic people spread south into the area of modern-day Bréifne during the first century BCS, later pressing further into the Lochtees. In the fourth century, another great wave of migration saw Kiltic tribes cross the entire continent of Heremonia to settle in the Nolverian Peninsula, home to the modern Kingdom of Hy Mainey. Despite their broad geographical distribution, the Kiltoi have preserved their common language, as well as their ancient customs, arts, sports, cuisine, religion and mythology.

The impact of Kiltic culture upon the western world cannot be overstated. Kiltic cultural perceptions, philosophy, religion and sensitivities first became dominant during the Mílesian Age, as they and the Kiltic language were spread across Heremonia by the conquering armies of the Érevish Empire, ultimately to form the underpinnings of what we now call “Western Civilization.”

From the establishment of the first Érevish kingdom in the 5th century BCS to modern times, the Kiltic race has been at the forefront of western culture. Specific Kiltic influences include, among innumerable others, the Kiltic language and Goidelic alphabet, Ancient Kiltic mythology, the Sanctist church and University-based education.

Language & Alphabet

The primary vehicle for the spread of Kiltic culture across the Heremonian continent was the Kiltic language. A member of the Isthmic language family, Old Kiltic was the common language of the Kiltoi from the time of the early kingdoms until the descent into the Savage Age.

Although it was spread far and wide throughout Heremonia as the empire expanded, the Kiltic language was never the native language of the rural peasants who formed the bulk of the empire’s population. Rather, it was universally adopted as the language of the urban centers and the aristocracy. As such, it was the language of commerce within the empire and, over time, in many lands beyond its borders, becoming the teanga choiteann of the West.

The world's most widely accepted constructed international auxiliary language, Pantellurian, was heavily influenced by the Kiltic language during its development, particularly its vocabulary. Over 30% of Pantellurian's word stems are borrowed from Kiltic roots. Moreover, the extinct Proto-Kiltic language known as Laidin has exerted substantial influence upon the specialized vocabulary of certain fields such as law, medicine and science, giving rise to thousands of Laidin-based words and phrases currently in common usage.

In addition to the Kiltic language, the alphabet used to express that language, known as the Goidelic alphabet or Kiltic alphabet, has been nearly universally accepted throughout all of Heremonia. Derived from the ancient Ogham writing system, the Goidelic alphabet rapidly displaced native alphabets as the Érevish Empire spread across the continent. Despite the decline of the empire’s influence in the 4th century, use of the Goidelic alphabet continued to expand with the spread of the Sanctist faith.

Mythology & Art

Along with western philosophy and politics, Kiltic mythology is among the more significant aspects of classical Kiltic society to have survived to current times. Since its earliest development, the motifs and characters within the Kiltic mythos have inspired works of high art throughout the ages. Whether depicted on canvas or in sculpture, celebrated in literary form or inspiring great works of music, Kiltic mythology serves as a common point of reference that is easily recognizable in nearly every nation of the world.

Religion

The Sanctist religion, founded by four Érevish prophets, became the official religion of the Érevish Empire in 187 CA. Thereafter, along with the Kiltic language and all the other aspects of Kiltic culture, Sanctism spread rapidly throughout the empire and well beyond. For over a millennium it has been the world’s most influential religion and is currently the world’s largest with over 2 billion adherents. Sanctism's influence upon world culture has been so deep and so pervasive that a basic understanding of its precepts and practices is a fundamental component of cultural literacy.

Education

The Kiltic people took the forefront in the development of formal education with the establishment of the University of Naus in 983. Inspired by the ancient Acadamh at Oileán Darach, it was the first modern university on the western continent. Many other schools, colleges and universities soon followed, leading to an explosion of research and learning that ultimately resulted in the Athbhreith, which ended the Savage Age and presaged the modern era. The western university system of education in use today traces its structures, curriculum, practices and even its very existence to the first major western educational institutions established by Kiltic scholars.

Other Cultural Exports

In addition to the major aspects of Kiltic culture that have significantly impacted western culture and the course of western history, countless other aspects of Kiltic life have made their way into the cultures of other nations. These include the Pharlaimintary System of government, the philosophical schools of the Enlightenment, Kiltic literature, opera and music, and the many varieties of Kiltic cuisine.

In modern times, Érevon’s role as a leading global power has resulted in even further increases in the global popularity of elements of Kiltic popular culture, leading to the further spread of Kiltic cultural influence worldwide.

Kiltoi

Ceilteach

Total Population:

c. 723.6 million (linguistic)

Regions with significant populations:

Érevon
Bréifne
Hy Mainey
Lower Lochtee
Upper Lochtee
Rionnagan
Aerghidros
Keilahair
the Palatine Duchies

Languages:

Eastern Kiltic
^{(Northern & Southern Dialects)}
Western Kiltic