czonków

Czonków is a fictional ethnic group described in Polish-language fantasy literature and role-playing games. They are presented as a semi-nomadic community traditionally inhabiting the highland belt of the fictional Wyżynia region. The economy centers on metalworking, woodworking, tanning, and animal husbandry. Settlements are temporary camps or seasonal villages, moved along established routes to access ore or forests. They maintain a kin-based social structure, organized into clans and bands, with elders advising on major decisions and craft guilds guiding apprenticeships.

The name czonków in-world is said to derive from the czon root meaning "bond" or "together," reflecting clan solidarity. The Czonk language, Czonkian, is described as a mix of archaic Slavic elements with loanwords from neighboring peoples, with a rich oral storytelling tradition.

Cultural practices emphasize craftsmanship and hospitality; dress features leather and wool, decorated with metal brooches and embroidered patterns, often color-coded by clan. Traditional music utilizes wooden flutes, simple percussion, and call-and-response singing.

In fiction and games, czonków appear as allies or rivals to neighboring realms, with conflicts often rooted in resource control and territorial boundaries. They are portrayed as proud but pragmatic, valuing craft, family, and honor.

Notable fictional works include the Chronicles of Wyżynia and various tabletop RPG campaigns that feature czonków as a playable or non-player faction.