Vistani

The Vistani have existed in the Land of Mists for almost it's entire history, first appearing to make Vistani-Zarovich Pact  with Count Strahd von Zarovich of Barovia in 470 BC. Since then the many Tasques and tribes of the Vistani have wandered the demiplane, telling fortunes and guiding destiny for The Mists as a largely neutral force. The few who haven't managed to remain neutral, however, are the ones that give the race as a whole a bad name, such as the tribe involved in the death of Rudolph van Ritchen's family.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Eva, Marcella, Gitana, Valana

Masculine names

Bartolome, Mikhail, Giacomo

Family names

They usually are named after their tribe. Examples include Zarovan, Canjar, Hyskosa, and Naiat.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

All Vistani speak the Vistani language ("patterna") and are often passable in the various languages of the Core.

Shared customary codes and values

A Vistana must always be on the move and on her guard.

Common Dress code

They wear comfortable clothing with the style matching whatever they can get their hands on.

Major organizations

Manusa Tasque is one of the three tasques that make up the Vistani. There's also a large amount of them in Barovia as they're generally more welcome there.

Notes on the Tasques

The Kaldresh Tasque are known for their uncanny ability to hone in on incoming wars and always have the needed weaponry, beasts, or other supply on hand. Their magic lies in their crafts, the horseshoes, swords, and boots they make.
The Boem Tasque are noted for the incredible vibrancy of their dress and caravans and have made their trade in entertaining the masses. As a result, they are all skilled in the enchantment school of magic and use it alongside illusion magic to dazzle their audience into opening their pockets.
The Manusa Tasque is the rarest seen one of all and are considered strange even by other Vistani, known to appear and disappear whenever they wish. These vistani have the most striking ability to control the Mists, teleporting and time traveling as they please.

Encompassed species

• Humanoid

Related Organizations

• Arabelle's Tribe
• Barovia
• Dark Powers
• Equaar Tribe
• Kaldresh Tasque
• Manusa Tasque
• Zarovan Tribe

Related Locations

• Dusk Elf Encampment

Common Vistani Words:

Captain - Male caravan leader.
Dukkar - A male Seer; their propheies bring only ruin and death. See Hyskosa's Hexad for an example.
Giorgio - A non-Vistana
Giogoto - A non-Vistana that's been accepted into a Vistani tribe.
Karash - Outcast
Lunadi - Literally "by the moon"; used to seal an agreement.
Mortu - A Vistana that put down roots and lost her powers.
Raunie - Female caravan leader (Such as Madame Eva)
Tasque - One of the three subdivisions of the Vistani, each one with its own skills and abilities. The Manusa are magic users, the Kaldresh traders, and the Boem storytellers and charmers.
Vishnadd - "Dark knife"; the word for formal Vistani justice.