skórok

Skórok is a fictional wind instrument used in speculative fiction and role-playing contexts to describe the musical culture of a fictional people, the Grælin. In its most common depiction, a skórok is a slender wooden tube played by blowing into a mouthpiece and covering finger holes along the body to produce a range of pitches. It is often described as around the length of a standing adult's forearm, though regional variants may be shorter or longer. Materials vary; hardwoods are typical, with occasional inlays of bone or metal for ceremonial versions. Some versions use a simple fipple or reed mouthpiece, while others are played without a reed for a more direct, bright tone. The instrument is capable of soft, breathy tones in an intimate setting or a vivid, penetrating timbre for processions.

In cultural context, skórok ensembles accompany ritual dances, oral storytelling, and seasonal rites in many fictional depictions. It may be used solo as a display of virtuosity or as a duet with other wind or percussion instruments. The instrument is often presented as a symbol of memory and lineage, with specific tunings associated with families or clans and passed from elder to apprentice.

Etymology and variants: skórok is presented as a Grælin word, with alternate spellings skorok or skórokk in some texts. The term is mostly encountered in world-building literature and tabletop campaigns.

See also: list of fictional musical instruments; Grælin culture; world-building. References: none.