Obniajcy

Obniajcy is a fictional ethnolinguistic group commonly used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games. In these works, obniajcy are described as a compact, tightly knit community with a strong emphasis on craft and oral tradition. They are often portrayed as skilled artisans—textile makers, metalworkers, herbalists—who preserve traditional techniques across generations. The social structure of obniajcy is typically organized around kinship networks and guild-like associations that regulate craft knowledge, apprenticeship, and ritual cycles.

Etymology and usage: The term appears in sources that employ constructed languages, with the name deriving from a fictional root obni- and a suffix that indicates inhabitants. Different authors vary on the exact meaning, and there is no single canonical origin. In some depictions, obniajcy are semi-nomadic in early life and settle into structured, craft-focused communities in highland or forested settings.

Cultural traits: Obniajcy are frequently linked to a deep stewardship of local ecosystems, seasonal rituals, and storytelling. They may practice ancestor remembrance and maintain secret oaths tied to craft mastery. Depictions range from benevolent guardians of sacred knowledge to insular groups resistant to outside influence.

In media and scholarship: The term appears across a range of speculative fiction and RPG materials as a generic example of a culturally rich, craft-centered group. As a fictional concept, details vary by author and setting, and there is no universal canon.