Patinons

Patinons are a fictional class of ceremonial ice-skating devices worn on the feet, used in the mythic and fantasy traditions of northern-inspired cultures in speculative fiction and role-playing settings. They function as both footwear and blade apparatus, enabling gliding, spins, and ornamental footwork in dances, processions, and theater.

In-world etymology attributes the term patinon to a glide-root patin meaning “to slide” combined with a nominal suffix -on, signaling an instrument or device. The concept often appears with a ceremonial lineage, passed down through guilds or royal households, and associated with rites of passage and seasonal festivals.

Design and variants vary by region within the fictional worlds. Typical patinons pair a rigid boot with an elongated central blade, secured by ankle bindings and decorative fastenings. Some variants feature a second, shorter blade for stability, while others incorporate retractable or modular blades. Materials range from simulated leather and wood to light alloys, frequently adorned with sigils, inlays, or painted motifs that indicate status or lineage.

Usage and training emphasize choreography and safety. Patinons are employed in ritual dances, public performances, and court entertainments, often requiring years of practice to master precise footwork and synchronized gliding. In some stories, artisans’ guilds control production, blade tempering, and ritual insignia.

Cultural significance in fiction tends to symbolize mastery, community identity, and the passage between social roles. Patinons also echo real-world ice-skating traditions, adapted to fantastical settings and storytelling.

See also: ice skate, ceremonial dress, performance arts. Note: This article describes a fictional concept used in speculative fiction and role-playing contexts.