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Culture of the Bradách People


TheNanMan2000
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The Bradách

14525760399_e8832680eb_b_55ff62fb-9458-4278-87ed-c52b43fae7d7_large.jpg

  The Bradách are akin to the real world Celts, with an emphasis on the Welsh and Irish, although imagined as a late medieval/renaissance version of themselves in a fantasy setting.  Due to this, their arms and armour are akin to the rest of the world’s and their capability at building is also improved, yet it keeps to the Celtic Roundhouse and Hillfort design.  They put a heavy emphasis on a man or woman’s capability to fight and the respect they place on their Gods.  Their economy is basic, offering nothing in abundance and with little expertise in any particular field, but this is made up by raids and labour of slaves.  The goal of the Bradách culture is to create a space for those who enjoy the Celtic culture and want to experience it in a medieval/ fantasy environment.  It is suitable for the PVP and RP minded as despite RP being at our hearts, many of the Bradáchs also serve in the Bradách-glass, which is a mercenary band, comprising of the most skilled warriors, wielding claymores, javelins and sparth-axes, whilst wearing hauberk, steel helms and their Clan colours in tartan clothing.  

 

Charge of the Celtic war chariot

Lore

 The story of the Bradách peoples started with the Daelish and the Pryderi, when some of the members of each group decided to make their own group and govern themselves.  This group grew over time, soon becoming it’s own stable fold of peoples.  As this group advanced through history, it’s people integrated it’s ideas and beliefs, which transformed over time with each passing generation.  Eventually, the Cadeyrn family became the largest amongst the fold and for the first time of it’s existence, the group elected a Cadeyrn named Bendigeidfran Cadeyrn as their leader, claiming legacy from the Pryderi.  From this election and his seat as leader, he took to creating their own set of rules and traditions, such as dropping the common form of inheritance, being Primogeniture succession, and instead deciding each leader, who was then named Rí, through an election of all the peoples.  Effectively being a democracy, although each election only happens upon the Rí’s death.  He also established the pantheon of their Gods, calling it the Bradách Pantheon.  With this pantheon, he elected a man named Myrddin to become the Derwydd Rí, leader of the also formed Derwydd, who were also inspired by the Pryderi Druii, who were responsible for sacrifices, Religious events and keeping sacred Groves off-bound to foreigners, although not because they might cause damage, but because it is believed the Gods live in these sacred sights and can injure or kill those that wander.  It is because of Bendigeidfran the Bradách peoples can claim their unique culture and is remembered in stories and tales to this day, also considered the Protector God of Clan Cadeyrn.  Years later, the Cadeyrn Clan kept it’s seat in power, consistently proving it’s favour for battle, skill in combat and cunning in leadership.  To this day, Caratawc Cadeyrn is the leader of the Bradách and hold many of the traits that his Clan are known for.

 

Language

 Siaradbrách

(The Bradách language is based on real world Welsh, whilst using Irish more commonly in naming places or things)

Hello: Shwmae, helo

Bye: Hwyl

Thanks: Diolch

Yes: Ydw

No: Na

 

55c6a239ebc1e535492b9b3045210665.jpg

Common Traits:  

Blonde or Light Brown hair - Most commonly amongst the Bradách, they will have blonde or light brown hair, although some might have differing colours due to the mixed heritage of many Bradách.

 

Tall - Many of the Bradách are taller than the average man, many reaching 6’1 or taller, very few ever becoming shorter than is normal for most humans

 

Muscular - Having strong, athletic muscles is very common, some having larger, burly muscles and very few having a less muscular physique than a trained soldier would possess.  This is both due to their genes and life with an emphasis on combat.

 

Deep and Confident Voices - Many Bradách have deep voices, but due to society often scorning the weak or timid, as well as because they are capable at fighting, the Bradách will speak words without worry of the reaction and they are rarely brought to a whisper, even if to keep something quiet.  

 

Highlanders - Practically all Bradách are Highlanders, although any race is accepted into the Clan, who sometimes stay and continue to sire children.  Elves, specifically Dark

Elves, are appreciated amongst the Bradách due to their extended lifespans, yet human-like strength and skill at forging weaponry.  

 

The Celts wore brightly coloured clothes dyed with natural vegetable dyes (plants and berries) The clothes were woven by hand on a vertical loom and then the wool cloth material would be sewn together using a bone or metal needle and wool thread.

Society:

 As is already mentioned, the Bradách are governed by a Rí that is elected by all the Bradách and any race or gender is accepted to become one.  Once a Rí has been decided, he will command all the power in the Kingdom, like any other King, even over the Derwydd Rí, but many are not eager to do so, incase they upset the Gods.  The Derwydd Rí is responsible for all the religious events and responsibilities in the realm, usually the one to conduct sacrifices and the first to throw the spear in battle.  The Derwydd are chosen by the Rí, who help him or her do his religious activities, but can also host various religious events and will usually attend certain events as a symbol of the Gods’ presence.  Finally, there is the Brádan, who is chosen by the Rí as his secondhand man, as well as who he desires to be the next Rí, should he be absent, for whatever reason it might be.  If a Rí dies but the Brádan still lives, it is most common for the Brádan to be elected.  There is no-body officially called nobles in society, although there are sometimes specific families held to high regard, as well as certain peoples respected highly due to their deeds and/or favour from the Gods.  The last notable group in society is the Bardds, who write songs, poems and all sorts of entertainment about people or stories.  Due to the fact that people’s favours of the Gods, ability in combat and general greatness is so important in society, particularly since it is responsible for making people Rí, the Bardds are a highly respected people in society and they would all find shelter and food from the vast majority within a Bradách society.

 

nechtan mythology | The Perthshire Macnaughtan Families

Behaviour:

 In terms of behaviour, most Bradách act the same as others in society, particularly Highland folk, although their emphasis on their multiple Gods is very pious, but stranger yet, they are very tolerant of other deities, believing that other Gods exist, such as the Creator, but believe other Gods protect others and that the ones in the Bradách Pantheon are the only Gods that speak for them.  Due to this, the Bradách show respect for other Gods as if they were their own, as giving little respect might result in being brought ill fortune, or even being smitten down by the foreign deity.  This respect for foreign Gods is all the stronger when in the territory of any Gods’, such as in Canonist cities or the forests of Druids.  In these places, it is not uncommon for the Bradách to sacrifice animals or peoples to the local God, even if that God doesn’t typically receive sacrifices.  The Bradách are also very comfortable around the dead and death, considering it a natural thing and that inflicting it on others is not un-natural.  Due to this, many Bradách will kill someone when the typical person would spare their life.  Most commonly the Bradách will cut off a dead body’s head so that their soul can escape their body and if it was their enemy, keep the head as a trophy.

 

The Neolithic Sanctuary at Avebury in the 3rd Millennium BCE by Judith Dobie

Festivities:

Gŵylygaeaf  - A winter festival during The Deep Cold in which large amounts of sacrifices are made to the Gods, specifically Myrddin, as it is believed the Other World and our world are brought the closest, causing many to accidently wander into the Other World by mistake, typically when wandering too far into the wilderness.  Also during this time, it is believed the dead are more likely to rise and attack who ever it sees, or join in with the festivities.  

Planhadau - A festival held during the month of First Seed in which the planting of the first crops is celebrated and to gain favour from the Goddess Belisama, a large man made from wood, thatch, rope and twigs is constructed, the limbs, body and head hollow and wide enough to contain humans and animals.  This is called a Wickerman, or Gwenyn, and is set alight.  It is hoped this sacrifice will bring fertility to the soil and keep the crops healthy.

Rhyfelwyr - This is a festival held on The Grand Harvest to celebrate the crops harvested, but also to give luck and blessings to the Bradách warriors that head out for war and/or raids they will hold.  When they return with slaves and their victims harvest, some of the crops is buried in a large pit and the sacrifices have their throats slit open over the fresh soil, thanking the Gods for giving the rewards of their raid.

 

Celtic Warriors and Weapons 3000 BC to 1700 AD

Clothing:

The clothing of the Bradáchs is practically the same as many other nations, although their clothing is decorated in a tartan pattern, typically combining blue and green, but other clan colours are also used.  Many wear linen tunics in the summer, or in warmer climates, whilst in the cold, wearing cotton tunics with a woolen cloak over the top, extending down to the waist.  The cloak is split down the middle, so the wearer can fold on or both sides over their shoulders when needing to use their hands, or unpin their cloak from their shoulders to fight.  Their also usually wear cotton trousers or their tunics instead or as well could extend down to the knees.  On their feet, leather and waterproof boots or normal shoes are worn.  The hole design of the Bradách clothes is meant to make travel easy and walking through muddy terrain or rivers easy to do as you can simply raise your tunic and keep your feet dry in the water proof boots.

 

 

Image result for hillfort

Architecture:

 The build style of the Bradách is based on the real world Britons, using Roundhouses as the main type of housing, and making Hillforts for defence.  The capital city of the Bradáchs is a large Hillfort, the walls holding dirt behind making trebuchets very inefficient at breaking through the walls, whilst leaving large amounts of space on the inside for everything needed.   

Image result for celtic roundhouse

 

Religion:

 The Bradáchs are a Pagan people, worshipping multiple Gods in the name of different things.  If somebody wants the blessings or favour of a particular God, doing something impressive, such as showing no fear in and great skill in battle, or defeating an Orc in a wrestling match, then dedicating the victory to a God, or sacrificing an animal or human to a God will put you in their favour.  There are also events and festivals held to honour the Gods.  The list and name of the Gods are;

 

Mormaer - Goddess of all the deities. Goddess of Sacrifice and Fortune

Belatucadros - God of War, Hunting and the Weather

 

Belisama -  Goddess of the Sea, Agriculture and Peace

 

Sirona - Goddess of Fertility, Health and Love

 

Myrddin - God of Knowledge, Wisdom, Planning and Magic.  Also the God of the Undead.

 

(Each Clan has 1 God/dess that reflects their values);

Cadeyrn’s God - Bendigeidfran - The Giant God of Kings, Resolve and Decisiveness.

 

ArtStation - Irish Gallowglass warrior and Irish Kern, Marc Grunert

Military:

 The military of the Bradáchs is best described as warbands, in which the people will choose someone they trust and if that person has enough followers, they will head out in their warband and conduct raids.  These warbands however all answer to the Rí, who himself may have a warband, and usually has the largest.  The Rí can call the warbands into his own to create a Fyddin, or army.  Since the Bradáchs do not have a standing army, nor professional one, each member is expected supply himself with arms and armour, but may be given what is necessary by somebody else.  What is most typical amongst farmers to supply themselves with is gambeson, some owning iron helmets of varying kinds, although all must have at least a spear and roundshield.  The seasoned warriors typical own a gambeson and hauberk (short or long sleeved), with a steel helmet.  They arm themselves with a shield and spear, but some might choose an especially long spear, with the shield slung on their back, or perhaps using a sparth-axe, or Dane axe.  The elite warriors, who are often the members of the Bradáchglass, wear long sleeved hauberks that reach the knees with steel helmets and leather or maille gloves.  As weapons, their own a shield (Kite or round), and spear, but it is also very common for them to own a claymore and sparth axe, as well as sometimes even a sword of varying kinds.  What is not necessary, but very common amongst all the warriors, except the Bradáchglass, is a bow.  Some using longbows, such as the hunters or more dedicated soldiers.  Cavalry isn’t too common, but when deployed, they are almost always skirmishing units, throwing javelins and harassing the enemy, or attacking straying opponents so that heavy infantry, such as the Bradáchglass can move in and mop them aside.

 

Military Tactics - The Rí is expected to be a skilled military tactician as the Warriors are in return expected to risk their lives for sakes of glory, loot and path to the Other World.

Army Composition - Typically, armies are comprised mostly of skilled warriors, due to the emphasis the Bradách place on combat, but some farmers and such do not have the time to train, although these make up for much less of the army.  There are also the elite Bradáchglass, who make up for about a quarter of the army.  Archers and slingers are usually taken up by the untrained farmers, but some skilled warriors might choose these weapons.  The skilled typically choose the Longbow and get deep in the mix of battle, peeking through gaps and letting a powerful arrow loose into the enemy line, sometimes bursting open maille or dazing men struck in the helm.  Cavalry makes up a very small number, also taken up by the skilled, but usually the richer ones, but the Bradáchglass sometimes put their retainers on horseback and arm them with a few javelins.

Preparation for Battle - For the Bradách, there is as much emphasis put on the lead-up to battle as during it.  Raiding parties will seat out to harass, kill and sabotage enemy scouts, firewood parties and whatnot.  This is an area the Bradách are particularly skilled at, most especially in wooden terrain.  They will also poison water supplies or gather in large numbers and feign the army’s advance by scaring birds into large sudden flights into the air, as well as blowing horns and beating drums as though to represent the horns blown before battle or drums beaten to keep order on the march.  Also, the Bradách will take great expense scouting their terrain, as well as setting their Derwydd to read the skies for the coming weather.  Using these, the Bradách will modify their plans to best suit them.

Tactics During a Battle - When two armies have met, the skilled warriors will form a long, relatively thin line and charge, hurling their javelins when close enough and dependant on the enemy’s response, as well as other factors like terrain, who has the higher ground and such, they might continue the charge and slam into the enemy, the first row responsible for defending, the second for delivering blows with their spears.  If a charge is not advantageous, they will suddenly stop and quickly form a shield wall, then sometimes making a slow advancing into spear range, or waiting for the enemy’s response, all the while remaining silent.  During this stalemate, the slingers and bowmen will pear threw the gaps and periodically fire, as a means to goad their opponent into an attacking.  During this time, the cavalry might begin flanking the enemy, hurling their javelins, but usually they have too many missile troops, or superior cavalry.  If so, they will constantly try to provoke the cavalry into movement, outside of their missile troop’s range and then hurl their javelins when in range.  This will repeat until they run out of javelins or the cavalry make an overly determined charge, in which the skirmishing cavalry will suddenly turn and attack their enemy back, the farmers with their spears running into the melee to finish the cavalry with their spears, which is almost invariably the case, due to the advantage spears offers against cavalry.  Then, these men will either attack the enemy missile troops or flank the enemy infantry.  The cavalry, if still alive, will do the same and use up any remaining javelins they might have.

 

Angus McBride - Guerrero escocés, c 1570
The Bradáchglass - Mercenary and Elite Band - The Bradáchglass are a unique and new addition to the group of warriors amongst the Bradách.  These men are funded by the Rí, or sometimes themselves, so that they can afford their equipment, as well as the time they spend from their potential occupations to become elite and highly trained soldiers.  These men are usually raiding and plundering, but the Rí may give them permission to seek or accept mercenary contracts from other Lords.

 

Thanks to @Dewper and @OneGhoulyBoi for giving me permission to claim inheritance from both of their cultures.  Here's a link to their cultures;

Dewper's https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/163587-daelish-culture/
GhoulyBoi's https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/164652-culture-the-pryderi/

 

 

Edited by TheNanMan2000
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Eöin Rhawena, who he believed to be the last Pryderi scoffed. “Don’t claim relations to us, for you have abandoned your brothers and sisters.” He growled. 

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Gwion, who indeed raced to be sure word of his people got out before these one's mere moments after meeting them, offers a letter to the Bradach people.

 

"Hail cousins in the north,

 

I am the traveller who you crossed paths with one season ago, and I wish to you the blessing of our clan. While I feel in the future we may become rivals, let our rivalry be one of friendly competition, and may we share our similar ways from across miles of our beautiful Atlas. Competition is the wheel that turns the axle of progress.

 

- Gwion B. Gallic, son of Amber, Trader of the Gallic Clan"

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5 minutes ago, TheCritsyBear said:

Gwion, who indeed raced to be sure word of his people got out before these one's mere moments after meeting them, offers a letter to the Bradach people.

 

"Hail cousins in the north,

 

I am the traveller who you crossed paths with one season ago, and I wish to you the blessing of our clan. While I feel in the future we may become rivals, let our rivalry be one of friendly competition, and may we share our similar ways from across miles of our beautiful Atlas. Competition is the wheel that turns the axle of progress.

 

- Gwion B. Gallic, son of Amber, Trader of the Gallic Clan"

Written in very good handwriting, the letter might evidently be written by another person's hand

"Shwmae, brother.  I'm glad you managed to get hold of me since last we spoke.  I believe we will both enjoy the competition, as well as benefit and let it be known that if my family ever is in need, I shall be there to aid you"

- Caratawc 'Four-Legs' Cadeyrn, Rí of Y Tuath Cadeyrn and of the Bradách peoples.

Edited by TheNanMan2000
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59 minutes ago, Slothtastic said:

Eöin Rhawena, who he believed to be the last Pryderi scoffed. “Don’t claim relations to us, for you have abandoned your brothers and sisters.” He growled. 

Graéff looked upon his brother with frowned brows "I thought you had more love with your kin..."

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2 hours ago, OneGhoulyBoi said:

Graéff looked upon his brother with frowned brows "I thought you had more love with your kin..."

“Ain’t no kin of mine. They shoulda stayed with us instead of formin’ their own ****!”

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38 minutes ago, Slothtastic said:

“Ain’t no kin of mine. They shoulda stayed with us instead of formin’ their own ****!”

"Who is us? MY failed chiefdom? They're better off than us, brother. Quit the rancor." the Pryderi DYCTYDD snarled.

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5 minutes ago, OneGhoulyBoi said:

"Who is us? MY failed chiefdom? They're better off than us, brother. Quit the rancor." the Pryderi DYCTYDD snarled.

“What Chiefdom? You were never there. They could have at least made an attempt at staying with us!” The Pryderi brother growled. 

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Afiedr would look upon these men with a smile on her face"Hmmmm"she look at them interested 

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