Galuyn

The Galuyn people are a group of pagan gilneans that stem from a group of red or fair haired native people in the region of Gilneas. Ancestrally a part of the faction known as the Wickers, after the final defeat of their King and his betrayal; the Galuyn people have finally integrated themselves into Gilneas after years of resistance. Promised with amnesty and the ability to preserve their way of life, the Galuyn people have rallied behind the new center of their heritage, the Council of the Coimeádaí, the highest priests of their religion. Universally, those of the Galuyn minority speak a language known as Galui as well as Common. They claim the language to be that of the original pagans of Gilneas, prior to the arrival of Arathor, with its written form lost beyond ritualistic runes.

In terms of culture, they share little with modern Gilneans, though none-the-less, common ground has been found.

Appearance and Characteristics
Most who can trace themselves to the pagan peoples of Gilneas have fair or red hair with freckled and pale complexion. This is true of most of the Wicker clans, as they are seen as some of the purest remnants of the original natives. Most galuyns speak with an accent that while similar in some ways to the traditional Gilnean accent is differed enough to not be considered the same (Irish). Most galuyns adorn themselves in a mix of furs and cloth as well as paint themselves with runes using a plant dye known as Woad. Woad is seen, by the galuyns, as a protective material that can call upon the blessings of nature to protect them. It is through this material and ritualistic tattoos that they draw upon the powers of the "Realm of Spirits", known more modernly as the Emerald Dream.

Galuyn people do not have a set body type, ranging from tall to small and bulky to lanky. As a result it is typically their method of speech and their clothing that sets them apart from most others. Most galuyns will adorn themselves with a yellow cloth that is marked with a rune that represents the clan that they originate from. Due to the mixing of clans over time, it is not uncommon to see a yellow cloth with a black flame adorned by roots, the symbol of Wickenden, as the original clan symbol has been lost over time; though it is typically altered in some way to set them apart from other clans. In addition to this yellow cloth, Wicker clans that have survived long enough will adorn their posts with that of a makeshift banner, akin to heraldry. Most, if not all, galuyns have some natural handling of druidic magic, and it is not uncommon for them to be accompanied by some sort of animal familiar.

Naming style among the Galuyn people is a bit different than the rest of Gilneas. While Gilneans usually give a first name and take the last name of their parents, Galuyn people are granted a name and then take the name of the clan they are associated with. As a result, it is fully possible to find Galuyns whose name changes depending on marriage or association; should they be exiled or their clan cease to exist. Names are typically placed in the following fashion, X an (or am in some areas) Y, with X being the first name and Y being the clan name in Galui. In the case of Clarisa Thorned, her name would be Clarisa an Cráifeach as per traditional naming conventions.

Traditions
Wicker traditions are much closer to that of the original natives of Gilneas than the rest of the Kingdom. As a result, while there are similarities in the celebration of holidays such as Hallow's End and Noblegarden, there are some traditions within these holidays not shared and other traditions in general that differ. The most important tradition to a Galuyn is their clan. There are countless clans, large and small, throughout the Galuyn people, and it is seen that one of the clan is akin to a brother or sister in arms. Members within the clan are expected to pull their own weight, helping with hunting and gathering of resources, while also giving to those of the clan that cannot provide for themselves, such as the elderly or the young. Within the clan, gender does not matter nor does it matter who you are born from, a clansman is a clansman and is expected to equally do their fair share. With the exception of some of the more powerful clans, most clans do not have a set living place. They are nomadic, typically remaining within the woods or in a group and will establish camps that will last no more than a week's time before setting off once again. These camps are typically marked by several banners of the clan and are also used to ward away other clans lest there be bloodshed. However, for more ambitious clans, this is seen as a way to subjugate more into their control. As a result, it is not uncommon for the Galuyn clans to fight among each other for dominance, causing clans to grow and fall. Because of this system, Wicker Clans are often different every few years, as clans will either be subjugated or members of a clan will separate into their own. Slavery of subjugated clans is not uncommon, though some practice the equality to a full degree, sometimes working against them. Clans are led by three people, the Godshunter, or Dia-sealgaire in Galui, who is the strongest warrior and hunter of the clan, the Waybinder, or Treoir-mór, whose bloodline traces to the founder and is tasked with leading the clan through day to day means, and the Hierophant, or Ardsagart, the religious leader of the clan. It is unknown how many Galuyn clans exist, though it is known that of these clans it can be counted on one hand how many can be traced back to the time of the first Wicker King.

Succession in the three leader positions differ. The Hierophant is typically a position held for life amongst the stronger clans, as they are always expanding their druidic knowledge. As a result, these sages are only usually replaced if they die or the clan has been subjugated. It is not common for an hierophant to be replaced by a subjugated clan's, as pride dictates that the conquered clan was weaker in all respects. The Hierophant proceeds over religious matters, ceremonies and aids with medicinal care. The Godshunter is a position that changes hands fairly often given the dangerous life style of the Galuyn people. The Godshunter is seen as the strongest warrior in the clan, and as a result he loses his position if he is either, killed, crippled, or beaten in a challenge. Godshunters typically hold their position until their death, as it is seen as a dishonor to have lost the position and still kept one's life. Godshunters typically lead larger raids, inter-clan warfare and hunting expeditions. The Waybinder is the only hereditary title within the clan and is actually considered one of the weakest positions within the clan in terms of power and the most difficult to gather respect for. The Waybinder's eldest typically takes the position, regardless of gender, and must also be blessed by the Godshunter and Hierophant. However, should the eldest not be up to their parent's standards, it is not uncommon to see them passed over in favor of a younger sibling who better exemplifies the strength the clan needs from a leader. This has led to clan schisms in the past, though typically one will end up destroyed by the end, and it is seen as the ultimate dishonor to be passed up as eldest. Waybinders are in charge of managing the day to day of the clan and representing them should there ever be a summit called at Wickenden. They are expected to also help in terms of the hunting, raiding and medicinal care; and a Waybinder only earns the respect of their clan if they are able to adequately do their duties.

On the night before a battle, it is typical for each clansman that is preparing to raid to be blessed by the head sage of the group. These men and women are marked with woad symbols of power and blessed by the sage. Their weapons are typically also coated with various poisons or resins that can allow for devastating effects in combat, such as causing burning blades in some reports. Should a wicker die in combat, their body is to be recovered if possible. Once recovered, the body is marked from head to toe in various markings of their patron spirits as well as adorned with the markings of Yim'nir, before being put into a pyre alongside the others who have died. Their remains are then buried in the ground so that they may return to the earth, and any remaining belongings of theirs are given to their immediate brothers, sisters, or children.

Marriage in Galuyn society is not terribly different from marriage in typical Gilnean society. In fact, marriage between clans has been observed as similar to nobility forming marriage alliances, as Waybinders will wed their younger children to one another to form a pact between clans. Unlike in Gilnean nobility, where it is typically the daughter who will then live in the household of the male, it is the Clan that offers the proposition who takes in the Waybinder's child. As a result, gender does not come into play when it comes to the departure of a Waybinder's child.

The Coimeádaí
The Coimeádaí, or Keepers in Common, are a group of pagan warriors that have been found among the ranks of the Galuyn people, first shown by the Wickers. First fielded alongside the Blades of Greymane when the Wickers temporarily aligned with them to defeat the Horde, the Coimeádaí are a sign of the Galuyn's progression in restoring their culture.

Derived from the Coimeádaí of old who were once keepers of the spirits, the current generation Coimeádaí are more war oriented than their priest-like past counter parts. Having been preserved in Wickenden throughout the years, the new generation has been trained for combat as well as worship. Armed in iron or, rarely, plate, the Coimeádaí call upon the powers of the various Prime Spirits of the Old Ways. Extremely strong warriors infused with the power of nature, the Coimeádaí wield their might alongside the powers of nature as though it were a part of them. Typically found using large polearms, the Coimeádaí charge into battle to fight the enemies of their people with deadly might.

Be it using the actual powers of nature to rip apart enemies with vines and thorns from afar, or harnessing animalistic fury to augment their abilities (sometimes half transforming to bolster their attacks), the Coimeádaí have become the elite of the Galuyn people in their new wartime existence. Bearing across their chests proudly the golden colors of their people with the black flame emblazoned on their chest, the newest generation of Keepers is prepared to defend their people.

The Coimeádaí come in several branding, representing the various prime spirits of the Old Ways. While most of the newer Coimeádaí affiliate with Kryfta or Kolsir, some have also branded with the less combat oriented spirits, taking on the aspect of elite healers or even shapeshifters.

Their exposure to the Blades has caused the people of The Reach to copy this warrior, reviving the Coimeádaí as Keepers in their own society. The new integration of the Galuyn people has furthered this, allowing for the Reachmen to go back towards their Galuyn roots.

Known Clans
Though clans rise and fall within Wicker society, a few have become known. These clans will be accompanied by their clan flag. It should be noted that the color yellow is forbidden outside of Elder Blood clans.

The Elder Blood
The Elder Blood is a term used for clans that can trace back to the time of the first Wicker King. They are few in number but their power is regarded as vast. They are typically rooted in one position, where a pseudo-culture has developed for each one. Smaller clans may pay homage to them or break off from them, the latter typically earning their ire.

Gnarled


The Gnarled were a group of Elder Blood that had claimed to have tamed the wilds of the Dark Woods in their height, a dire claim indeed. They later entrenched themselves in Ironwood Keep, a former stronghold of the House of Dayne in the area of Rosefield after Dayne was nearly destroyed. Within the confines of the keep, the Gnarled transformed the area into, fittingly, a gnarled ruin, with giant thorns erupting from the ground to replace where the walls had decayed and act as a deterrent for intruders. Their lifestyle was heavily warrior oriented, based upon strength of the clan as they subjugated many of the smaller surrounding clans. Believing that the weak were only fit to serve, the clan was a heavy proponent of slavery. As a result, hamlets raided by the Gnarled typically had their denizens that had survived the raid being dragged off into slavery. Despite this, within the clan a heavy amount of equality was practiced. It mattered not what a person looked like, the gender they were, or any of their habits, all were equal in the clan if they held their own weight. Slaves could even be brought into the clan if they'd shown worthiness, resulting in full clansmanship the minute the shackles were removed from them.

Surviving as one of the strongest clans, the Gnarled met their end when Ironwood was taken back by the Blades of Greymane and the Duchy of the Ashen Coast. Their Godshunter was slain during the reclamation of Ironwood while their Waybinder later died of sickness. Their hierophant, Hoytin, later became the hierophant of the Rakkinthorn, though he too later perished while fighting against the oppressive regime that had taken hold.

They adorned their holdings with a yellow flag and a black bull within. They were known in Galui as the Dualach-laoch.

Thorned


Once the religious center of the Wickers, the Thorned were an Elder Blood clan that have long since disbanded into many variations of the clan. They were centered within The Reach by way of Hirene Marsh, just within the Barony of the Oak's borders. Intensely strong practitioners of the Old Ways and masters of the druidic craft, which none have seen from Humans since, the Thorned disbanded after the death of the Wicker King, when the clans were scattered once more. From the Thorned rose the Bareroot, mighty oaken warriors that protected and fought alongside the clan. It is said that the Bareroot in the time of the Thorned were made of the soul of the forest, with the fallen being placed into a bareroot only after their death, no matter the age. When the clan fell apart and split, many of the original Bareroot disappeared without a word. The very first Bareroot remained as a statue under the Great Tree Hirene, having been unable to move for ages. It was later turned into the sword, Fallow by the successor clan to the Thorned.

They are survived in essence by the Thornwind Clan primarily, which continues the traditions of the Thorned to this day, albeit in much smaller numbers.

Their colors were a golden field with a black tree upon it. They were known in Galui known as the Cráifeach.

Wickenden


The eldest and most respected clan, Wickenden takes its name in common from the city where the Wickers were founded, a neutral ground and haven of their people. Wickenden is by far one of the strongest clans, and from this clan two Wicker Kings have come. They remain uninvolved with the politics of other clans and have adopted societal conventions within, though much is unknown due to their secluded nature. Due to their importance and being seen as the progenitor clan of all clans, many Galuyns who have either forgotten their Elder Blood clan over the ages or wish to invoke the favor of this clan don the yellow sash of Wickenden.

Their colors are a yellow banner with a black flame. They were known in Galui as the Galubaile.

Oakenborn


The Oakenborn are one of the Elder Blood clans that have long since disbanded. Adorning their crest with that of a cow skull, the Oakenborn's role among the Galuyn people went forgotten for some time, later revealed to have once been artisans and craftsmen. The Oakenborn were thought to have disappeared, though revelations showed they were either butchered by the Wicker King for rising against him, or joined with Gilneas. These clans later became noble houses, such as the House of Darkoak and their associated families. The Oakenborn's last known descendants are the clans of the Galarach Isles and the Gabhatine.

Their colors were a golden banner with a lone cow skull upon it. They were known in Galui as the Darach-Rugadh.

Everflame


The Everflame are one of the Elder Blood clans that have presumed to have disbanded. Unlike the other elder bloods, the Everflame were largely alienated by their kin for their delving into the occult. Masters of the arcane and delvers into the shadow, any magic that wasn't exclusively seen as part of nature were tossed in with the Everflame. As a result, the Everflame kept to themselves and dwelled mainly about the Dark Woods. Able to cloak themselves in shadow with magic, the Everflame were remarkable scouts and fearsome spellcasters. It is unknown what happened to them after the death of the second Wicker King, but it is presumed they disbanded as they were no longer seen. Several clans have been spotted bearing their golden sash, though few have come to light. They mostly remain to themselves, thieving or surviving off of hunt rather than raids.

Their colors were a golden banner with a runic symbol upon it. They were known in Galui as Riamhtine.

Wavewalker


The Wavewalker clan is one of the few remaining Elder Blood clans to have gone undeterred by the ages. Having been an oddity to begin with, the Wavewalkers worship the spirits of the ocean and take on the visage of an orca after their highest spirit, the great orca Gurni. The Wavewalkers, being an elder blood, are quite noticeably the source of all sea-faring clans; demanding a unique respect from them all that derives more as patronage than with the other elder bloods who are typically more spiteful to their offshoots. They are one of the strongest clans still in existence, though they very rarely make an appearance.

Wavewalkers, as with their offshoots, travel in small boats known as Currachs, which are wicker made or oaken hewn boats that are akin to long boats. They tread carefully off the shore and are able to traverse the many rivers of the Ashen Coast. They typically target shore towns, though they have been known to make trips onto land. They adorn themselves with fish scales or bones of sea creatures alongside their leather. Their armaments are typically spear based or make use of a long knife; though their primary method of combat is through water and frost magic.

Their colors are a golden banner with waves upon it. They were known in Galui as Tonn-siúlóir.

Chillborn
What has survived of Wicker history and accounts by early conflict with them is that there was once a seventh clan. This clan was later revealed, with the betrayal of the House of Frostvine to the Wickers' side, that it was the Chillborn. A subterfuge clan, they were integrated entirely into the Gilneans by the Wicker King to act as agents for his return. While his return came extremely later than expected, the Chillborn did ultimately return to the fold despite their long term exposure to the Gilneans over generations. The clan did not last long, as they were eventually destroyed during the Usurpation of the Wicker King and the dismantlement of the Wicker faction. Their last remnants live on in the House of Crithe, which sided with the Gilneans rather than rejoin with the Wickers, and the House of Iomaire, which was mysteriously absent at the battle for Wickenden.

In Galui, they were known as the Ceann-fuar.

Rakkinthorn


The Rakkinthorn are one of the clans that split from the Gnarled. They have abandoned most of the ideals of the Gnarled, including equal treatment. Expanding upon their usage of slavery in their father clan, the Rakkinthorn mistreat most of the "lower echelon" of their clan, that being those who have not been within the circle's favor. The clan has also shown to be extremely sexist, with women being severely mistreated and beaten. As one of the larger clans that have split from the Gnarled, the Rakkinthorn keep their fellow clansmen in line by mistreating their elderly and children as hostages in order to keep their fellows in line. They are led by the Godshunter Graftin, son of the fallen Godshunter from the Gnarled. Their hierophant, Hoytin, was slain saving his daughter Jesamine Crakeriver. Creegan, their Waybinder, was slain by Hoytin. Graftin was later slain by his sister, Borin Crakeriver, during a battle between the Rakkinthorn and the Crakerivers (with their new Blades allies). With Graftin's death, the clan split into many smaller clans, some taking on the older clan ideals while others continue the perverse ways of the Rakkinthorn. As it stands, the Rakkinthorn are in a stage that they will likely never recover from and have moved towards the fringes of the Reach and Range border. A small group of the clan allied with Hiram Westcott during the Westcott Crisis, though they too were ultimately destroyed. The remnants of the clan continue to wander about the edges of the border near Vayden's Fall, though they have become far less brazen and it is rumored that the older clan structure is beginning to reform.

Their colors are a black bird wrapped in the moon on a field of white. Their name in Galui was Friofacfí.

Crakeriver


The Crakerivers are a clan made up of mostly women that split from the Rakkinthorn. A relatively new clan, they used guerrilla warfare tactics to strike out at the Rakkinthorn while also liberating various Rakkinthorn that did not wish to continue under the oppresive regime. They are led by Waybinder Jesamine, Godshunter Borin, and Hierophant Aina, a member of a much smaller clan that was later absorbed by the Crakerivers. They have cast their lot in with the Blades of Greymane, swearing a blood pact to them, the first clan to do so. After the continued defeat of the Rakkinthorn, the clan has grown, though it is still predominantly female.

Their colors are a black river on a field of deep blue. In Galui, they are called Saorthit-abhainn.

Thornwind


Clan Thornwind is a moderately sized religious clan that makes its home within the Hirene Marsh. Descendants of the great Thorned, the Thornwinds continue the legacy of their ancestors. Unlike other clans, which are led by three, the Thornwinds have one central leader named the "Greatbinder", who is a person instructed by the last Greatbinder in the ways of the clan. The clan is extremely non-hostile to all that come through the marsh, tales even speak of Thornwinds helping as guides. They are protected from harm by the mighty Bareroot caste (Those without druidic magic), which up until recently, was formed of strong root and bark like creatures with the souls of Thornwind warriors within. The Bareroot were created by smothering children of the caste in roots at the age of three, then taking their souls into their new bodies of Bareroot. Controversial by many, as Bareroot can understand emotions and talk, yet not feel emotions, the practice was later changed by the Blades of Greymane to allow the fallen Bareroot to be made into these forms only after having died in battle. This was made possible by the night elf druid, Shan'do Nightwind, who offered his power to aid in the creation of future bareroots under those conditions.

The second clan to make a blood oath with the Ashen Coast, the Thornwind were, at the time, led by Greatbinder Ethin, an aged man afflicted with the Worgen Curse. After he was freed from his curse, he swore blood oath to the Blades. He was later killed during the Second Range Rebellion, though he was succeeded by his apprentice, Clarisa Thornwind. Clarisa has furthered their blood oath, swearing themselves onto the region of The Reach. Despite this having been historically followed by lordship when accepted, the Thornwinds have declined elevation onto nobility.

The Thornwinds ceased to exist after their ascension back as an elder blood clan, as they resumed their progenitor's name of the Thorned.

Their colors were a green tree on black. In Galui, they are referred to as Caith-Cráifeach.

Elkwreathe


The Elkwreathe clan is a moderately sized clan that makes its home within The Bite. A standard clan that survived off of raiding and the like, the Elkwreathe were one of the few clans to answer the call of the Crakerivers to join with the Ashen Coast, given their precarious position within the Bite. Known for their bonds of brotherhood and family, those of the Elkwreathe are extremely loyal to one another as well as being fierce when combined as teams. As with standard clans, they are led by three men, Hierophant Kavan, Waybinder Belin, and Godshunter Jennig. Of the clans that exist, the Elkwreathe are one of the few that recall the runes of soulbinding, which is a rune that anchor's one's soul to the world for a limited time, even through death, allowing them to continue fighting. Following their blood oath with the Ashen Coast, they were given hunting rights near Ravendale within the Viscounty of the Rise. They later migrated south towards what is now the Viscounty of Lunargrove and were given permanent lodging in the area, where they founded a settlement named Kavan's Rest, after the deceased Hierophant Kavan who died of age. They have since sworn themselves to service under the House of Enderlain.

Their colors are a black elk head on red, surrounded by a wreath of fire. They are known in Galui as the Poctine.