Here is the starting list of different groups from around our world! We would love to hear any ideas or musings if you have them~
The Church of the Forgotten Saints
The Forgotten value selflessness to the point of forgetting themselves for the sake of others. Things like gossiping, using the mirror and buying luxury items are forbidden. As Forgotten members, the focus of their lives will be to serve others instead of themselves, therefore, anything done for self-enjoyment is discouraged. The Forgotten are usually very quiet as they don't like to attract attention to themselves.
The forgotten worship a central feminie, monotheistic, deity. She has gone by many names: The Mother of All, Goddess, Gaia, etc. The moniker that has prevailed to this day is simply ”Maria”.
Members are expected to be compliant to others at all times, even if that person is a Forgotten as well. It is not unnatural for strangers on the streets to have a Forgotten helping them with anything such as carrying their groceries or treating an injury.
Guilt is often used as a tool, rather than a weapon against oneself. Forgotten use it to remind themselves to do better the next time. They spend most of their time volunteering at shelters and correctional facilities.
Forgotten people greet others by formally bowing their heads, as physical contact is discouraged and therefore, feared. Physical displays of affection are forbidden and kissing in public is seen as a disgusting act.
The main goal of The Forgotten people is to forget oneself, so they wear gray clothing to be less noticeable as they prefer simplistic functionality over frivolous style. Forgotten clothes are very baggy and gray robes are also common.
The Forgotten live in bare bones church centers. All living spaces are exactly the same size and shape. Single people without families all live together in houses separated by gender. Rooms are never decorated, as Forgotten see art as impractical and its appreciation is time that could be spent serving others. Their meals are simple and plain, never taking more than what is needed and eating is always done in a group.
While there are plenty of different types of orphanages (especially if you have something specific in mind), many are run by followers of The Forgotten. A common practice is the complete lack of mirrors for children.
The freak show historically was an exhibition of biological rarities. Typical features would be physically unusual humans, but in this new world those exhibition are of rare and dangerous Faefolk. For a rather low price, humans are allowed to gawk and stare to their hearts delight, and for a few extra ginnies the showrunner might allow you to touch.
Histories and legends are spun by the showrunner on the street corner, trying to entice locals in for a show. Little to no research is done on the Folk in their charge, usually fake backstories or “undiscovered species” legends were touted to attract new audiences.
Travelers are traditionally itinerant or travelling groups through Europe. As opposed to nomads who travel with and subsist on herds of livestock, itinerant groups traditionally travel for trade or other work for the sedentary populations amongst which they live. Making most of their money on trade, many Travelers are known to have great skills in specific and intricate fields, some travel to perform grand musical acts, and others display feats of gymnastic and aerial stunts.
Travelers often speak Lingo, a blend of the local settled language and their traditional Traveler dialogue, they have also been known to use a form of sign language, unique to their tribes.
They generally allow outsiders to travel in the caravan, with some Travelers owning wagons designed for accommodation and transportation. Travelers are known to be less materialistic than settled counterparts, generally disregarding the concept of ownership, choosing to share what they have with the community.
A far off island, away from the greedy hands of nations and their fancy kings, sits a place only spoken of in a whisper, for fear one of them might hear. The Harrows that lurk behind doors, under beds, and through shadows and drag you back to Skull Island and into the darkness of their Dreadfort.
The Dreadfort puts any black market to shame. Featuring utter chaos and debauchery at every turn. Any sadistic desire humanity could dream up, The Dregs made reality. Colosseums pay homage to old Rome, as gladiators battle to the death for the entertainment of others. Don't worry about getting bored, there are plenty of mutant earth animals to use when their human or Faefolk stock is running low.
While other gangs will hunt you down, capture those you love, threaten your family for defying them...The Dregs have a simpler method, as simple as roasting you over an open fire and enjoying what remains for dinner. Nothing goes to waste in The Dreadfort, including those who failed the gladiator trials. The Harrows prefer their prey to go out screaming, and their methods are sadistic and brutal.
Dating back to the outflowing of magic into the Human world, The Harrows are known for the strange hospitality, always requiring a shared meal before conducting business. Faefolk and Humans alike are welcome and, of course, they'll always mention what (and who) you're eating. Even those on diplomatic missions are required to accept these offerings. Perhaps the strangest thing about The Harrows is their ability to make any food delicious.
They'll grind your bones to make their bread, and damn if it isn't the best bread you've ever tasted.