Gypsies from Sherlock Holmes 2
There is a big difference between the gypsies of the real world and those that thrive in fantasy worlds. At least I’ve been told that and I’m sure the debate will rage within the comments. Anyway, the fantasy gypsy is very romanticized with amazing thief skills, promiscuity, fortune telling, manipulative actions, colorful clothing, and a lot of sexy dancing around a fire. Well, that’s what the Windemere gypsies are like, but not as troublesome.
Many times a person writes a gypsy as being impulsive to the extreme. They are constantly stealing and causing trouble to the point where you consider they’re kleptomaniac sex-a-holics. In regards to these gypsies, the do steal and enjoy sex, but they have self-control. Sari will flirt and tease pouncing on the nearest male and she won’t take everything that isn’t bolted down. This isn’t the Windemere gypsy way.
That way is freedom and community. They travel and make camp for however long they feel like staying. As long as they are together, the gypsies are happy. Cross a member of the clan and they will bring vengeance down upon your head. Still, they enjoy having guests and not to rob them. A sharing of culture and joy is very important to these people. It is to the point where they treat people like family unless they prove to be untrustworthy and cruel. Still, people misunderstand their lifestyle and open culture where nobody truly owns anything. You can take anything that is left around, but you have to give it back if the original owner comes calling and proves ownership. They use games and contests to settle disputes like the guilds of Rodillen.
One of the ‘unusual’ parts of gypsy culture here is their partner practice. It isn’t as odd as the tradition of Bor’daruk, but fans of modern marriage would find it odd. Gypsies are partners for a year and have the choice between separating or staying together. If kids are involved then they stay with the mother unless she feels the father would be a better provider. It is definitely a matriarch society after each clan was founded by a Great Matron. So, women tend to have the upper hand in disputes. This isn’t to say men are useless in gypsy culture since they are part of a central council of elders and are equally proficient in magic.
As stated, the thoughts on gypsies in Windemere is mostly distrust or a disturbing obsession. Many young cityfolk look at young gypsies as easy and will save themselves for one if there is a clan nearby. Typically, this ends in embarrassing pranks or the cityfolk joining the clan. Very rarely does it cause an incident unless the city person forces a tryst or does something wrong. Then all hell can break loose with only the guard and an appeasement to end the hostilities.
Check out more about the gypsies in Legends of Windemere: Allure of the Gypsies on December 1st.
