Rovingian

Also known as the Nomadi
“The road is our mother, the wheel our father, and the stars our compass.”

Classification

Type: Human Culture
Origin: Nomadic, multicultural roots
Primary Locations: Globally distributed, often found in borderlands, rural roads, and trade hubs like Ludnum

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Origins & Identity

The true origin of the Rovingians is shrouded in mystery, much like the origins of their secret language Tezzarian—a tongue that scholars have failed to root in any known linguistic tree. Rather than being bound by blood or clan, the Rovingians formed as a cultural melting pot centuries ago. Individuals from every human heritage joined them—disillusioned farmers, outcast nobles, escaped slaves, wandering witches—and over time, a unique and resilient identity emerged. Their own name for themselves, Rovingian, comes from the word rove—to wander. Outsiders call them Nomadi, a term that carries both curiosity and stigma depending on the speaker.

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Society: The Coterie System

Rovingians travel in caravans called Coteries, each consisting of two to three extended families. These units are semi-independent and often led by a matriarch, typically a witch or wise woman of the Nomadic Coven. Rovingian society is matriarchal—men take the surnames of their wives, and property and authority pass down maternal lines.

To avoid inbreeding, the Rovingians practice “The Duty,” a tradition where women are expected to have a child with a non-Rovingian (Stedd) before marrying within the Coterie. This keeps bloodlines diverse and creates deep cultural roots in every region of the world.

Rovingians use the word "Thickblood." to describe those too inbred. The term has since become a common insult among them, meaning fool, dolt, or dullard.

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Language

Rovingians are natural polyglots. Most speak:

• Their host nation's language
• TradeSpeak, the common mercantile tongue
• Their secret, sacred language: Tezzarian
  Tezzarian has no known origin and resists magical translation. It is used to shield conversations from outsiders, and its mystery deepens the aura around Rovingian life

Culture & Values

Core values:

• Live in the moment
• Cherish music, dance, and stories
• Hospitality to guests—unless they pry too deep

Fashion:

• A vibrant fusion of gypsy flair, circus flamboyance, and belly dancer allure
• Layers of sheer fabrics, bold silks, coin-belts, and top hats
• Paint their wagons in kaleidoscopic detail to reflect their joy and mobility

Artistic Soul:
Rovingians believe in omens, stars, and fate. They host nightly storytelling fires and live in the now. Ask them where they’re from, they’ll laugh. Ask where they’re going—they’ll say “Forward.”

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Occupations

• Carnival Folk – musicians, dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats
• Merchants – trading rare goods and oddities across kingdoms
• Seasonal Workers – vineyards, farmlands, fishing ports
• Bandits – a rare but real subset, especially in lean times

Some coteries have taken to the sea or specialize in illusion magic, giving each group a distinct flair. Outsiders often struggle to distinguish honest traders from dishonest ones—a fact the Rovingians sometimes exploit.

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Religion

While beliefs vary, most Rovingians favour the goddesses Cherlindra (Love) and Vellara (Fertility). Witch-matriarchs serve as priestesses and guides. Dream interpretation, star charts, and naming magic are key spiritual practices.

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The Meet

Every ten years, Rovingians across the world gather at The Meet, a spectacular convergence in a secret location. They trade, perform, duel, and form new coteries. Here, a Grand Matriarch may be named to serve as ceremonial leader until the next Meet.

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Notable Coteries

Coterie of the Crimson Wheel – Illusionists and fire dancers, known for their phoenix-feather rituals and flamboyant performances.

The Gilded Wheel – Traders with golden caravans, sharp tongues, and a reputation for cunning deals across the West.
The Ocean Wave – A rare seafaring coterie that sails instead of roves, trading spices and stories between distant ports.

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Coterie of the Crimson Wheel

Motto: “The wheel turns, the fire burns, and stories live forever.”

Overview
The Coterie of the Crimson Wheel is one of the more well-known and colorfully infamous Rovingian groups. Their painted caravans are easily recognized by the large crimson wagon wheels painted on each door and the scarlet feather tassels that hang from their caravan eaves. They are storytellers, fire dancers, and illusionists, and are as much a traveling theatre as they are a nomadic community. They are regulars at The Meet, often arriving in a long train of extravagantly painted wagons with fireworks announcing their arrival.

Key Traits & Quirks

• Masters of Illusion: Several members are trained in low-level illusion magic, used not for combat but to enhance their performances—flame spirals during dances, phantom music, or illusions of mythical creatures.
• The “Fire Oath”: Each member is initiated by walking barefoot over coals while making a personal vow—usually a poetic line or short verse. It’s part of what bonds them and gives rise to their reputation as firewalkers and dancers.
• Crimson Feathers: Every caravan bears at least one crimson feather as a symbol of survival. Legend says the original matriarch once used a phoenix feather to light a fire that saved the entire coterie from a blizzard.
• Love of Tales: Known for hosting nightly fireside storytelling circles, where outsiders are welcome—but must contribute a tale or song. Refusing is considered rude unless you're visibly injured or mute.

Structure & Notable Members

• Matriarch: Madame Elira Vexan A cunning, silver-haired illusionist and member of the Nomadic Coven. Known for her mischievous laugh, cryptic riddles, and the pet fox spirit that follows her.
• Chief Cook & Tumbler: Rokko Broadsmile A stocky Skand-Corvid mix who juggles knives and makes the best spiced lentil stew this side of the Stormlands.
• Wheelwright & Tinker: Caspin “Clatter” Verro A mute man who communicates via hand signals and carved wooden tokens. He fixes everything and may or may not secretly be a spellcrafter.
• The Twins: Jessa & Jynn Acrobats and dancers, they speak in rhyme and are never seen apart. It’s whispered they’re half-fey, though no one dares ask.

Reputation & History
The Crimson Wheel once saved anoble’s life by smuggling him out of a coup inside a barrel of pickled fish. In return, he declared their coterie “an honorary minor house” of his realm—a title they use mostly for laughs and free drinks. They’re beloved in rural communities, tolerated in cities (where their shows draw crowds), and hunted in one distant kingdom where a young prince ran away with a fire dancer.