Tootjate

Tootjate is a traditional wind instrument described in the fantasy setting of the archipelago of Lirath in the world of Aeldara. In lore and game texts it is depicted as a slender, end-blown horn fashioned from alder or maple wood, with a brass mouthpiece and a simple conical bore. Typical length ranges from 40 to 60 centimeters, and the instrument is valued for its bright, penetrating tone that carries over water and wind.

The instrument is commonly used in outdoor ceremonial contexts, including harvest rites, harbor vigils, and processions. In ensembles, it is paired with drums and vocal chants, though it may also be played solo to mark transitions between events. Tootjate playing is traditionally taught within coastal communities, where senior players pass on embouchure technique, tuning practices, and maintenance of wooden bodies and metal fittings.

Etymology and origin: The name Tootjate is said to derive from a local onomatopoeic tradition, reflecting the sound produced by the instrument. The earliest surviving references appear in mid- to late-medieval manuscripts from the Aeldaran archives, though experts believe the instrument long predates written records and existed in oral culture previously.

In modern fiction and related media, Tootjate remains a symbol of regional identity in Lirath and is commonly featured in museum exhibits, role-playing games, and soundtrack compositions inspired by the archipelago. Reproductions are widely available for enthusiasts and performers.