Varisian (vah-RHIS-ee-ann)
Varisians are a primarily nomadic human ethnic group known to favor the open road over permanent settlements. Sometimes called the people of the road, their traveling caravans can be encountered throughout Golarion, but Varisians also settle in permanent communities, most notably the country of Ustalav. Varisians are often thought of as scoundrels and rogues, an unfair reputation that is based on outsiders interacting with the criminal Sczarni gangs. Despite outward appearances of frivolity, the Varisian people are fiercely loyal to family and friends, and embrace a rich culture steeped in history and tradition.
Appearance
The Varisian people typically possess deep, olive-colored skin, and long hair that comes in an incredibly large range of colors from platinum to the darkest black. In fact, no one hair color is considered unusual among them. They often have large, expressive eyes that come in a variety of unusual colors such as violet or gold. Varisians tend to have lithe bodies with long limbs, and men often have trouble growing beards.History
Though now largely nomadic, the Varisian people believe that they originated in a land now devastated by some forgotten tragedy; some stories claim that the Varisian people were the rulers of this land, while others tell of an existence of servitude, but they all seem to agree that the event that brought this life to an end also heralded the beginning of their life as wanderers. In the 24th century AR, Varisians began migrating in large numbers and settling on the northern shores of Lake Encarthan. There they founded the nation of Ustalav in 2361 AR and ruled the land for nearly a millennia until it was overthrown by the Whispering Tyrant in 3206 AR.Culture
Common Dress code
Varisians often garb themselves in brightly colored clothing; They favor practical dress when completing daily tasks, but are more widely known for the elaborate, embroidered costumes they don during performances. Varisians prefer wealth in the form of gemstones and jewelry, rather than coins, and secure such valuables on their person whenever possible. Varisians are also fond of scarves of all types, and frequently use them to provide emphasis during performances. They also commonly use scarves in more specialized capacities; the bladed scarf serves as a favorite weapon when one must appear unarmed, and a Varisian's kapenia is an intricate record of his or her family tree.