Vistani
The Vistani are an ethnic group found throughout the County of Barovia, and make up the second largest demographic (though still less than a quarter the number of Barovians). There are approximately 2000 Vistani in Barovia at any one time. Though nomadic, they are believed to be native to Barovia, with no other lands beyond the Mists in the Known World that they claim for themselves.
The Vistani are steroetyped by others as boistrous, unserious, tricky, and cunning, with most warning newcomers not to truck with them. They are sometimes characterised as thieves and spies for Strahd von Zarovich, though this is considered slanderous by more liberal-minded Barovians.
Vistani who have foregone their nomadic ways are called Remanio, whilst those who have sinned greatly against their people are outcasts called Mortu.
The Pact
The Vistani are protected in part by an ancient pact formed between an ancient elder and Strahd von Zarovich. The exact boundaries of the pact remain unclear (and largely untested), but revolve around an exchange that occured after the elder found a much-younger wounded Strahd, long before he conquered the County. In repayment, Strahd asked the Vistana what she would have of him, and she replied "Only that which we have given you: the bounty of our table, the safety of our camp, and leeway to leave as you please." Most Vistani interpret the pact to mean that Barovia will always yield food to them — which it seems to when they hunt and forage — that the dark creatures of the land will not harass them unless they provoke them first — which they do not — and that the Mists will not entrap them — through which they can safely move.Folk Magic
The Vistani practice many folk magics, which appear to be tied to their standing within their own society. Firstly, all Vistani can perform minor curses, and can summon a protective force known as the Evil Eye. Some Vistani can also read the Tarokka and attain a level of precognition.Zori Divergence
Though exactly when the Vistani diverged from the Zori is unknown, though it is widely accepted that such is their origins. Whilst the Zori were originally a hegemonic Elven culture, at some point in their history they interbred with non-Elves, resulting in a large Half-Elf and ultimately Human population. This group would become the ancestors of the Vistani, who still carry aspects of their original roots.Naming Traditions
Family names
Vistani family names descend from ancient clan names, which themselves hail from epithets given to clan founders. Examples include d'Avenir 'the Prophet,' or d'Sange 'the Bloody,' etc. When a Vistana gives birth, they decide either to keep their own surname and clan, or forge a new one, taking on the epithet of an ancestor (or one they have earned themselves).
Culture
Common Dress code
Vistani fashion tends to favour brighter autumnal colours, including vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks. Their clothing tends towards loose-fitting, with sashes and scarves being extremely common. Older men and women tend to cover their hair with scarves or hats, except on formal occasions when it is done up extravagantly (often again with feathers, leaves, and berries woven in to decorate). Vistani also favour visible mends, allowing their clothes to tell stories of their pathways of hand-me-downs.
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
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