The Freefolk
General:
The Freefolk gypsy caravan wanders Enworld free and easy. In spirit, the Freefolk are perhaps the closest followers of Mongrel, though few worship him directly. They roam from village to village with their caravan, stopping to trade their wares, and earn coin with their festivals. The Freefolk have a reputation among some of the common folk as thieves and grifters, but many villages still tolerate them when they visit rather than cause commotion about them.
Society:
The Freefolk are generally a fairly up beat society. Each member of the caravan is considered "Family" regardless of race or origin. This "Family" structure is built around each member looking out for each other's interest, and the survival of the caravan as a whole. Elder caravan members tend to be regarded for their experiences, but a caravan leader is generally the one appointed by the general consensus, and not necessarily among the eldest.
The Freefolk follow Rules of Salvage and the Rules of Hospitality quite seriously. Many in the caravan are not above lightening an outsider's pockets both through trade as well as less honest means, but they will not rob someone blind, and never try to part someone with something they may truly need to survive. Generally however, they are more likely to salvage things that do not appear to be wanted. Generally, caravan members will try to repair their clothes till they are nearly beyond repair before completely scrapping them, and even then they might use bits to help patch or make other items. In rare cases when the caravan does come across an excess of something, some will leave a care package for a few of the less fortunate in the city, making sure they have what they need to survive as well.
Their hospitality is nearly unmatched, as travelers that happen into their caravan are often invited to stay the night and tell tales of their journeys. Their reputation for "stealing children" comes from their hospitality and acceptance of people who wish to join their caravan. Many youths are enthralled with the gypsy life, and they have no qualms about drawing in a youth who tagged along after a stop. They do not however, encourage this behavior in any way.
Culture:
Freefolk craftsmen are some of the most skilled around. Often having to work with inferior materials and in inferior conditions, they still make quality goods that many villages covet. Freefolk work is often very ornamental as well as functional, having a distinct flair and style. Generally there are more Freefolk tailors and carpenters than there are metal workers, but almost every craft has its place in the caravan. Freefolk Alchemists are often sought after for their large selection of different and often rare herbal and alchemical components.
Entertainment and celebration are big parts of the Freefolk culture. As much as their goods are coveted, so is their music and dance. Freefolk music is generally fast and rhythmic, making it easy to dance to. They lean towards smaller stringed instruments such as the fiddle, violin, or mandolin, as well as smaller wind instruments such as the flute, recorder, or piccolo. Smaller drums are also a staple, and many times tambourines and hand drums are incorporated into the dance.
Much like their music, dance is also a big part of the Freefolk life. Many dances are stylish and well coordinated with the accompanying music, and some involve 10 or more people weaving and dancing in patterns. There are also less structured dances that smaller groups, or even one dancer can perform, but all dances accentuate graceful movement and rhythm. One particularly famous dance is known as the "Dance of Shadows", where 10 dancers dance and weave, usually around a camp fire or central focus of some kind. This particular dance is quite hypnotic and engrossing. Some swear that several of the dancers simply disappear during the dance, and reappear later, and others say that they have counted as many as 20 different dancers during the dance, but never see more than 10 when it ends.
Generally, stealing amongst the Freefolk is frowned upon. Given the communal nature of the caravan, there are very few personal positions among the Freefolk, and most things are considered owned by the "Family", so the taking of these few possessions that are considered personal is seen as a personal attack more than simply theft of property. Stealing from outsiders is tolerated, but not particularly encouraged, and definitely limited to fit within their view of the Rules of Salvage.
Given the free nature of the Freefolk, it is not too uncommon for members of the caravan to decide to part ways and find their own path on occasion. Those that leave on good terms are always considered family, and are welcomed if and when they return. For those few who are asked to leave, they are generally treated with contempt if they ever happen upon the caravan again. However, even the caravan will not deny one they have cast out hospitality if it is a matter of survival.
Lore:
Freefolk legends tell of how Mongrel founded the first freefolk caravan. Disgusted with how some were left to fend for themselves and denied things they needed to survive, he gathered the less fortunate, the downtrodden, and the outcasts, and led them out of the city, taking whatever they could with them in wagons. This caravan wandered with Mongrel for years, drawing in more people as it went. Eventualy the caravan became too large, and had to split. Mongrel spoke to the caravan, speaking of the great unity of this new family, and that parting was simply a new begining to the great experience of life. Durring the confusion of the split, Mongrel left the caravan to continue his wandering alone. Some still believe that Mongrel occasionaly walks among the Freefolk, to admire the proud family that is has become.
Racial Makeup:
Due to the nature of the caravans, there are many different races among the Freefolk. These numbers are not ment to be exact, but more like guidelines.
Human - 30-50%
Half-Elf - 10-25%
Elf - 10-20%
Gnome - 10-20%
Halfling - 10-20%
Half-Orc - 5-15%
Other - Remaining %
