Word of Tom regarding Gillitie Wood and its inhabitants (except the fairies, who have their own page).
Gillitie Wood
Are there any other places like Gillite Wood or The Court out in the rest of the world? and if so do they have any contact with each other?
I believe so.[1]
How is Gillitie pronounced again? By the way, who named it?
Gill-it-ee. Like Guilty, but with an extra "i" in there. I guess it was named by the guy who first found it. [2]
Was the guy who discovered Gillitie Wood one of the people in the group of humans who came to the Wood and later founded Gunnerkrigg Court?
No, it was just a guy. [3]
What's more common: humans becoming residents of Gillitie Wood via the 'program' or Gillitie residents becoming humans via the 'program'?
It's more common for creatures from the wood to become human. [4]
Which covers a larger area: Gunnerkrigg or Gillitie?
Gunnerkrigg. [5]
When a human becomes an inhabitant of Gillitie Wood like Ally did, is there a chance that he/she will retain sentience, or will he/she definitely become a non-sentient being? If sentience is retained, will memories also be retained?
The transition to animal form is complete, but then animals in the comic are not exactly the same as animals in real life.[6]
Is the sky symbol from the forest's side made with a green blinker stone? If so, do they come in any other colours?
No, they make it themselves. Usually Coyote or Ysengrin produces it. [7]
Does the forest have physical borders not facing The Court or does it work like a magic cul-de-sac with a single physical border against the ravine?
There is an opposite edge of the forest that opens to the normal world.[8]
What makes a forest creature want to use the transfer program?
If they want a different life.[9]
How come Renard and Ysengrin were bosses of the forest? You said earlier that they had no powers other than what Coyote granted them.
Because they were there on Coyote's invitation. Nobody would want to mess with his buds.[10]
Does it ever snow in the Court or Gillitie?
Yeah, sometimes. [11]
Are all forest creatures sentient? For example, the fish Ysengrin caught?
Some of them are, but some aren't. [12]
Oh god don't tell us the fish Ysengrin caught were sentient...
Nope, it was just a fish. [13]
Hold on, you said that the fish Ysengrin ate wasn’t sentient. But if Paz can talk to animals, wouldn’t that makes ALL creatures sentient, other than bugs?
Nope. [14]
Are all creatures of the forest as understanding as Red about the need for murder to sustain the food chain? She got upset that Annie was being mean to Shadow2, but she was also very casual about Ysengrin's fairy snack.
All the creatures of the forest realise they are part of a food chain yeah. [15]
Since there are no dragons in the present timeline of the comics, wouldnt the forest want more dragons and are fastracking applications for humans who want to become dragons?
No. [16]
Has the forest ever appointed its own medium?
Yup, Ysengrin. [17]
Are there restrictions to what animals humans can choose to become in the forest? Without proper control I'd imagine that exotic animals could ruin the food chain of a forest, even a magical one.
Yeah a lot of humans want to be dragons, but they get turned away because they're usually just posers. [18]
If a poser ran across the bridge and went into the forest without transformation or permission, how far would he go before a terrible fate befell him?
He might be able to get a few yards past the tree line. [19]
Does anyone else in the forest wear clothes?
Sure. Not exactly human fashions, however. [20]
Are there fairy folk other than regional fairies in Gillitie Wood?
There are all kinds, yeah. [21]
About what percentage of the Forest-born students decide to go back to their original forms after graduation?
very few% [22]
Coyote
Is Gillitie Forest Coyote's permanent residence, or does he come and go?
He currently permanently resides in Gillitie Wood.[23]
Does Coyote ever visit back home: ie. in North America?
Sometimes. [24]
Is Coyote the only serious sort of 'elder god' that will be making an appearance, or do you have plans to bring other figures out of the woodwork?
If you mean in terms of status, Coyote is going to be the head honcho for the time being.[25]
Has Coyote -ever- had one of his plans come perfectly to fruition? It seems like he'd be the sort to perpetually have plans backfire on him...
The best thing about Coyote is that plans that go horribly wrong are also extremely pleasing to him.[26]
Can Coyote feel physical pain? He didn't even wince when pulling out that tooth! Or is his physical form just an illusion?
He can feel physical pain if he so chooses.[27]
You indicated before that Coyote can choose whether or not to feel physical pain. Would there ever be a time when he would choose to feel pain? Unless he has a weirder sense of humor than we thought, I don't think feeling pain would be very amusing.
He does it all the time when he thinks it would be funny. Why have a sense if you're not going to use it? For example when Annie slapped his behind. [28]
Coyote once mentioned Muut's excellent poker face. I have to wonder, what were the stakes in their game?
It was just a casual game. All Coyote's idea. Muut was a little busy at the time.[29]
Do coyote and Muut still play poker on occasion?
Not after last time.[30]
Is there a real Jolly Elfsberry in the forest or was he completely made up by Coyote?
Coyote made him up. He thought to himself "I'd like to make a body that appeared to be a jolly elf!"[31]
Does Coyote see awesome flames when he looks at Annie's head?
Kinda.[32]
Is there anyone as powerful as Coyote? Have they ever met or perhaps even butted heads?
There are other beings on the same level as Coyote. I'm sure he's run into a few of them.[33]
Is there anything Coyote doesn't like?
Boring stuff, mostly.[34]
Is it even possible for Coyote to be angry?
Oh yes.[35]
Can Coyote read, or does he not really care much for it? Also, same question but with Ysengrin.
Coyote can understand something without reading it. Ysengrin can't read. Not human text anyway.[36]
How do you imagine Coyote talking (for example, high-pitched, really fast)?
Kind of insane and always on the verge of laughing. Probably not really able to keep from shouting either.[37]
Is there a reason Coyote, being a god, doesn't just will the court out of existence?
Plenty of reasons, yes.[38]
How old are Reynardine and Coyote?
Coyote doesn't have an age. Reynardine is only a few hundred years old.[39]
Does Coyote only do things for his own amusement?
Only.[40]
What does Coyote smell like?
Like the earth and the sky and the leaves on the trees.[41]
When Coyote takes another person’s body to cause trouble, is his main purpose to cause trouble for everyone or to get his victim into trouble?
It depends on how he feels at the time. Generally the bigger the mess, the happier he is. [42]
You stated that everything Coyote does is only for his own pleasure. Does this mean that when he consoled Annie, it was only so he wouldn't have to see her sad? Or did he have genuine concern for her well-being (a.k.a. love)?
Yeah no reason for Annie to spoil the good times by being sad. [43]
If Coyote only acts for his own pleasure, I imagine he'd be quite upset if someone ruined his fun. I also imagine that very bad things happen when Coyote is upset.
You have no idea. [44]
While Coyote is close to almighty, there are also other gods that match him, so I guess he can't do anything because, after crossing some line, the others would try to stop him, right? At least that's what I would hope for if I was in your comic.
They might try to stop him if they cared enough about what he was doing. [45]
When Annie went into the ether during Old Dog’s Tricks and saw Coyote and Ysengrin, is that the way Coyote and Ysengrin see all the time?
Largely, yes. [46]
Would Coyote ever teach Annie to body swap if she asked?
Sure, but Coyote already gave that ability to Renard. [47]
So wait, does that mean that when Coyote gives someone an ability, he can no longer use it? He’s actually GIVING it away?
Yes. [48]
If Coyote gives a gift away (like body-taking), can he still use it himself?
No, but he might have different abilities that do something similar. [49]
does Coyote like other mythological trickster figures, or just Rey and Ysen because they're fellow canines?
He likes a few of them, but mainly the dog ones. [50]
Why does Coyote call Annie fire head girl?
It's what he used to call Surma. [51]
Was there a specific reason Coyote called Surma fire-head, other than her hair?
yup [52]
Were Coyotes powers given to him, in similiar way as he gave some of his powers to Reynardine or Ysengrin?
No, he's Coyote. [53]
What is meant when Coyote and Reynardine refer to each other as "cousins", seeing as one is ageless (causeless?) while the other is only a few hundred years old?
They are cousins in the mythological sense. Renard is the european equivalent of the trickster god Coyote. Kind of how the dog is a cousin to the wolf. [54]
Does Coyote ever hang out with Thunderbird?
He used to, sometimes. [55]
If Coyote wanted to, could he take back the ‘gifts’ he’s given to Ysengrin and Reynardine?
Yup. [56]
would the powers taken back by Coyote work as the originally did?
Yup [57]
Did Coyote know Jeanne before he divided the Court and the Woods? Does he know that the Court did something to her (and if so, does he know what)?
No, he knows nothing about her. [58]
On [Chapter 14, Page 18], why does Annie believe that there's some correlation between Muut and the Shadowmen? Do they need guides like humans do when they die?
Coyote is Native American, as is Muut. The shadow men were created by Coyote. [59]
What was squirrel doing that was gross?
Probably eating. [60]
So where WAS Mrs. Bear that night?
Out with her friends. [61]
is there anything Coyote doesn't find funny?
He doesn't like people who try to ruin his fun. [62]
Would Coyote understand if Paz spoke to him in Spanish?
Of course. [63]
Is Coyote ever offended by the Court's dismissive attitudes toward them?
He doesn't care that much. He finds it funny, actually. [64]
Have Coyote and Jones ever had a conversation?
Yes. [65]
After Coyote left someone’s body, did they remember what happened, or was it all blank?
depends if coyote wanted them to remember [66]
Does Coyote see the concepts of right and wrong in the same way most well functioning humans do? Would you say he is a moral character (by our standards)? Would he lie, cheat or hurt someone if he saw amusement in it?
He would do all of the above if it so pleased him. He understands what is right and wrong, but only far enough to get enjoyment from not acting correctly. [67]
Has Coyote ever done something unforgivable?
Of course [68]
You mentioned Coyote has gone something(s) unforgivable, does he ever regret it/them?
not for a second [69]
will we ever see the day Coyote split the court from the point of view of the Court?
Probably not. [70]
Did you intend to make coyote androgynous?
He's a dude. [71]
Can Coyote bring Surma back to life?
no [72]
Would Coyote allow Annie, Reynardine or ysengrin die if he could prevent it?
yeah [73]
Why did the Suicide Fairies have to die to be reincarnated into new bodies, but Aly and his family (or at least Aly) simply had their current bodies transformed into new ones?
[Coyote has] Double standards. [74]
You said a while ago that Reynardine outranked Ysengrin. Why was this the case?
Because Coyote favoured Renard over Ysengrin, and it wasn't a secret. [75]
Can Coyote remotely control the tooth sword he gave Annie? (ie: change it back into a tooth permanently, wield it remotely)
Not really, no. [76]
Do Ysengrin and Coyote have a loose grasp of time and/or human mortality/lifespans? Any of those would explain why they mistook Annie for Surma.
They are both essentially immortal, so time passes differently for them. For Renard as well. [77]
Is part of Coyote's interest in Annie her confidence around him? If she'd been dull, or grovelled, would he have quickly lost interest (after a prank or two)?
Partly, yes. [78]
What did Surma think of Reynardine being in love with her? Did Coyote find it amusing?
Coyote thought it was amusing at first. [79]
Do Ysengrin and Coyote normally have trouble telling humans apart, given that they mistook Antimony for her mother?
Not really. Annie just seems a lot like her mom at first. [80]
Could Coyote be killed?
yes [81]
Does Coyote have flesh, blood, and fur? What does he feel like when you touch him?
Yep he has all those, but you wouldn't know it if you touched him [82]
What sort of gift would Coyote never give?
The gift of boredom, maybe? [83]
Does Coyote ever worry/ fear about anything? If yes, can you provide an example?
His definition of "worry" isn't quite the same as everyone elses. It would require a long explanation. [84]
Is there anything that Coyote fears, other than being bored?
Not really [85]
Another Coyote question- is the form that we see Coyote most often in somehow his most "natural" form? (He IS called 'Coyote' for a reason, I'd imagine). Or is it just the form he's most fond of?
He's comfortable with that form. He's very proud, so long legs, strong back, big snout and pointed ears are what he feels represents him the best. [86]
in [Chapter 26, Page 4], why did he bother disguising himself as a forest elf? It's not like Eglamore didn't know Annie was gonna see him.
Because he wanted to play a little trick on Eglamore. [87]
Coyote doesn't seem to cast a shadow? What's up with that?
He doesn't want to cast one [88]
What is Coyote's least favourite thing in the world other than being bored?
Not being able to do what he wants to do [89]
Coyote usually isn't too conscious of human limits. Why is it then on [Chapter 26, Page 14], he warns Annie about summoning her blinker stone from the forest?
He knows how powerful he is. [90]
Does Coyote need to sleep?
If he wants to [91]
Would Coyote have more respect for Ysengrin if he wasn't so obedient?
Not really [92]
Does coyote have a mom and dad?
No [93]
Can you tell us of anything interesting Coyote's done that won't be featured/mentioned in the comic?
He had a son once [94]
Ysengrin
Did Renard and Ysengrin know each other before Coyote found them?
Yes. [95]
Where did Renard and Ysengrin live before they arrived at Gilitie?
France. [96]
How would Ysengrin compare to Rey, and Rey to Coyote, in forest rank order?
The ranking order, from higest to lowest, would be Coyote, Reynardine, Ysengrin. [97]
You said a while ago that Reynardine outranked Ysengrin. Why was this the case?
Because Coyote favoured Renard over Ysengrin, and it wasn't a secret. [98]
Are Ysengrin and Reynardine so old and longevous as to be considered as "ageless" as Coyote?
No, they are a lot younger than Coyote. [99]
Who is older, Reynardine or Ysengrin?
Ysengrin. [100]
Why doesn't Ysengrin ask Coyote to fix his ear?
It's not his place to ask. [101]
Ysengrin is very loyal to Coyote despite the way Coyote treats him. Will we ever find out why Ysengrin has so much admiration for someone who is such a bastard? I find it troubling!
Yes there is a specific reason why Ysengrin thinks so highly of Coyote. [102]
Was Ysengrin ill before Coyote gave him the tree body he uses now, or did living in the tree body make him weaker?
He was normal before. [103]
Is Ysengrins frailty due to him never using his true body, or because his 'better' body drains him?
Both, really. [104]
Did Ysengrin know what being in the tree exoskeleton would do to his wolf body? Is it permanent, or could he regain his strength if he stopped using the tree body?
He would not/does not care either way. [105]
If Ysengrin stays in his tree body for too long, will he eventually die?
Maybe if he didn't eat. [106]
Can Coyote read, or does he not really care much for it? Also, same question but with Ysengrin.
Coyote can understand something without reading it. Ysengrin can't read. Not human text anyway. [107]
Does Ysengrin ever resent Coyote?
He would never allow himself to. [108]
So before Coyote appeared Reynardine and Ysengrin were like in the medieval fables, only with humans thrown in as victims and rescuees?
Sort of, yeah. [109]
Was Ysengrin happier before he met Coyote?
Not really. [110]
Were Reynardine and Ysengrin "immortal" before they met Coyote?
Essentially, yes. [111]
When Annie went into the ether during Old Dog’s Tricks and saw Coyote and Ysengrin, is that the way Coyote and Ysengrin see all the time?
Largely, yes. [112]
Who would in an arboreal battle- Marcia or Yssy?
Ysengrin. [113]
you've probably answered this before but I want to be sure- how do you pronounce Ysengrin?
Iss-en-grin [114]
Was Ysengrin on good terms with Surma, or was she just another human to him?
He didn't pay her much mind, but he didn't hate her. [115]
How did Ysegrin know Anthony?
He knew him as Surma's friend. [116]
I have a question about Coyote, Ysengrin, and Reynard: Were they once little bitty puppies/kits, or were they always ageless, god-like creatures?
Ysengrin and Renard were once young. [117]
You said the forest had assigned Ysengrin as a medium. Do you mean in the past he WAS a medium, or is he still a current medium?
He is still technically their acting medium. [118]
Was Ysengrin ever human who became a forest animal and then the forest's medium?
No. [119]
Why does the court initially call Ysengrin General? Does he have an organized army? Is there a war to fight?
He likes to think of himself as the general of an army. [120]
What did rey and ysengrin do before coyote found them? Did they orignally have any powers as gods that coyote did not give them?
They probably just messed around a lot. [121]
Do Reynardine and Ysengrin know many languages? If so, which ones?
They know a few. It's not really relevant to list them all. [122]
Has Ysengrin ever eaten a human?
No. [123]
How could Ysengrin have caused the tictoc bird to grow and root itself? Is that something the birds do automatically if planted (or something)?
He just buried it is all. [124]
Does Coyote want Ysengrin to wear clothes for any reason besides his own amusement?
That was Ysengrin's choice. [125]
Does Ysengrin have a reason to hate humans?
Yep. [126]
Does Ysengrin's torn ear have anything to do with why he hates humans?
Nope [127]
Does Ysengrin know Coyote's great secret?
Yep. [128]
Can Reynardine or Ysengrin perform alchemy?
No [129]
How did Ysengrin and Reynardine tolerate each other?
Barely [130]
Reynardine and Ysengrin seem very tense around one another when Coyote and Ysengrin came to court, were they ever friends?
They weren't ever really friends, no. [131]
Were Ysengrin and Reynardine able to perform any magic besides ether-sight before Coyote joined them?
Yup [132]
Do Reynardine and Ysengrin fear Coyote at all?
Yes. [133]
Do Ysengrin and Coyote have a loose grasp of time and/or human mortality/lifespans? Any of those would explain why they mistook Annie for Surma.
They are both essentially immortal, so time passes differently for them. For Renard as well. [134]
Do Ysengrin and Coyote normally have trouble telling humans apart, given that they mistook Antimony for her mother?
Not really. Annie just seems a lot like her mom at first. [135]
What's Ysengrin's most favorite thing?
Coyote [136]
Do Ysengrin or Reynardine have parents?
Maybe, but no. [137]
Did Ysengrin ask for a wood suit in particular, or was it more that Coyote said 'hey I could turn you into a tree!' and Ysengrin thought that sounded like a great idea?
He just has the power to control the trees. The wooden body is his own invention. [138]
Shadow People
Are the Glass-Eyed Men genderless?
Nope.[139] They have genders.[140]
The shadowmen: how do they "see" and do they eat?
They see with their eyes, and they don't eat.[141]
How/do shadow people reproduce?
They reproduce through sexual intercourse.[97]
Were the shadow men in the dog tree controlling it or just hitching a ride?
They control it.[142]
Are any of the shadow people in Chapter 22 Shadow 2?
Nope. [143]
Could you please tell us a bit about the shadow men? The fairies were able to understand Shadow 2 in the ravine, was he speaking a shadow man language or just baby speak? Do shadow men usually learn to speak English like Shadow 2 has?
He was speaking shadow man language, but not very well (not that we, as the reader, can tell). they don't normally learn to speak english. [144]
On [Chapter 14, Page 18], why does Annie believe that there's some correlation between Muut and the Shadowmen? Do they need guides like humans do when they die?
Coyote is Native American, as is Muut. The shadow men were created by Coyote. [145]
Sources
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