Kinship Tynef
... perhaps what is unbound to blood can be bound in cloth.
“We bestow this Tynef that bears the warmth of many winters and the names of those embedded in the folds. When you wear it, you carry us- all of us- with your fellowship. May it fit you as we name you kindred, without condition.”
Kinships, Myst & Myth Folk
Folk Kinships refer to Tribesmen as "Kinfolk".
During the early eras of the Ice Age, Tribal villages survived the wintry landscape in remote regions. While these were separated by an icy expanse, smaller Tribes often joined larger settlements, forming unique bonds known as Kinship Tribes. Whether for shared survival or against a mutual threat, Kinship Tribes banded together as Tribesmen. Each member treated the other with the same dignity and respect as they would a brother or sister. As these mutual Tribes grew through sharing ideas and resources, a need to identify members became significant. This led to the creation of the Kinship Tynef- a dense hood or headwrap bound by a band or plate, and a scarf that covers the neck.
Design & Function
A Kinship Tynef is first worn by placing the wrappings around one's head and making a knot in the back, usually tucked under folds. Scarves are then tied through the knot and layered around the mouth and neck. Once the scarves are comfortably covering the face and bound through the knot, the Kinship insignia, usually a band of fabric or a hard plate, is affixed to the brow, completing the Kinship Tynef.
A Kinship Tynef prevents facial exposure to the wind and snow, protecting the skin with thick cloth. It also describes ones' role within a Kinship Tribe. The insignia is a personal Rune or marking, usually a name or Clan, along with a symbol reference of the Kinship Tribe. Regional Kinship Tribes had preferences for their insignias and other charms worn with a Tynef, as the assocations were significant.
Apparel & Accessories
Various Cultures included additional adornments to the garment:
- Ear-Muffs
P-Human. Extra ear and hearing protection. - Extra Pouches
Folk. Additional pockets for small objects. - Flexible Band
Folk. Shapes around horns or large ears. - Obsidian Visor
Aelven. Round Cap protects scalp. - Snow-Cap
Aelven. Round Cap protects scalp. - Snow-Goggles
Sijinn. Stone or wood slotted-visor.
One Tribe, Many Fashions
A Tynef adapting many Cultures' preferences.
Craft & Manufacture
TTRPG- Crafting
Proficiency:- Cloth Weave (Poise)
- Cost: TBD Casho
- DV: 6/+1 per 2 Hours
- Sets back one step.
2 Fails consumes components. - Wasn't observed by Kinship Tribe.
Each step of the process is observed by an Artisan of the Tribe, who provides details on the fabrication. To craft a Kinship Tynef, bolts of cloth are required. After cutting appropriate lengths of cloth, the Artisan will want to add additional properties, such as extra pouches or inner pockets at this point. Once the cloth has been appropriately sized, the edges and trims are hemmed together with stitching. The ornamental insignia is crafted according to the specifications of the Kinship Tribe. Accessories and additional enchantments are placed before the insignia completes the Kinship Tynef.
Time to Craft: 4-6 Hours
Time to Craft: 4-6 Hours
Legacy & Historical Significance
P-Humans of Kinship Tribes
P-Human Clans commonly joined Kinships.
A Kinship Tynef wasn't just a garment; it was a mark of recognition by the Kinship. Roles were important to communities, and a Kinship Tynef was able to distinguish each Tribesmen. A new member to a Kinship might've received their own Tynef while another may inherit a Tynef from close family or a friend. It was an act of honor to carry on the Tynef of fallen Tribesmen, but only among those of the Kinship. Each part of a Tynef characterized the Tribe: from color to material, Runes and insignias, the type of thread used, length and width of fabric. Different regions had age or gender distinctions by who wore a headwrap while others might've foregone the headwrap by their Role, such as an Artisan or Warrior.
Origin & Legends
Schisms of the Sijinn
When the Sijinn of Izeiqor began their pilgrimages across the barren Icing Sea, they had already developed distinct hoods and garments that identified them as Reclaimers among their individual Tribes. This practice of Tribe identity among the elemental Sijinn translated when they first began teaching the Word to infant Tribes of Aelves and Proto-Humans.
Their early Kinship Tribes helped them reach other Sijinn scattered by their initial emergence on Pathon. The younger Tribes adopted the practical Sijinn Tynef, and when the Kinship Tribes were scattered or dissolved, they continued to hold on to the traditions they learned from the Sijinn. Of these, the Kinship Tynef became a universal garment for the newer outland Tribes.
Folk Tynefs and the Buniru
The Folk had unique adaptations to the Kinship Tynef, due to their horns. The headband that attaches the headwraps and scarves is adorned with thin threads, to allow their horns to weave through the wrappings. While these hoods already existed, the first Folk Tynefs arose when they started adding scarves to their headwraps and more personally identifying details.
As the Buniru emerged as a Culture, they also adapted into Folk Kinships. The Buniru Tynef evolved from the wrappings of the Folk, and often bears their Runes or insignias. Buniru enjoyed the space the adapted headbands gave for their long ears. Buniru were quick to adapt to any Culture that accepted them without the malice that marked their existence.
Exiled Tynef
Those who have disgraced the Kinship Tribe will have their Tynef soiled in dyes before being disbanded from the Tribe, which was a punishment few wished to receive. The threat of bearing the Exiled Tynef carried curses and disgrace that marked the banished whether they chose to wear the burden or not. The act of having a Tynef stained was witnessed by the Kinship Tribe before their dismissal.
Cultural Headgear
This Article describes multi-Cultural headgear; protected one from cold weather exposure.
Kinship Tynef
Traditionally worn as head wrappings and 1-2 scarves. Bound with braid, cord, or headband. Availability
Rarity
Ritual, Uncommon
Region
Global
Demographic
Kinship Tribes
Ritual, Uncommon
Region
Global
Demographic
Kinship Tribes
Base Price
TBD Casho
Dimensions
Item Type
Headgear
Description
Item Category:
Light Gear
Gear Category:
Head and Neck
Item Dimensions
Unit Reference
Light Gear
Gear Category:
Head and Neck
Item Dimensions
- Length: 2-4 Un (Unfolded)
- Width: 1-3 Un (Unfolded)
- Weight: 3-5 Ub
Unit Reference
Measurements
"Units" are measurements, defined by length, width, and weight. A whole Unit is denoted with an "Un" and represents 1 whole measured "Unit" (equivalent to the average length of a forearm). A "Micro-Unit" is denoted with an "Um" in measurements and is the size of an index finger bone. 10 Micro-Units make 1 Un. To measure weight, Unit Burden, Ub, is calculated relative to the weight of an adult fist. Total Units are measured using decimals.
"Units" are measurements, defined by length, width, and weight. A whole Unit is denoted with an "Un" and represents 1 whole measured "Unit" (equivalent to the average length of a forearm). A "Micro-Unit" is denoted with an "Um" in measurements and is the size of an index finger bone. 10 Micro-Units make 1 Un. To measure weight, Unit Burden, Ub, is calculated relative to the weight of an adult fist. Total Units are measured using decimals.
Fabricate
Tools:
Sewing Needle
Cloth Shears
Cloth Shears
Sewing Hook
Measuring Cord
Measuring Cord
Materials:
2 Bolts of Cloth or Silk
1 Spool of Cloth or Silk Thread
Patterned or Runed Fabric (Kinship)
Kinship Insignia (Cloth, Stone, Wood)
2 Bolts of Cloth or Silk
1 Spool of Cloth or Silk Thread
Patterned or Runed Fabric (Kinship)
Kinship Insignia (Cloth, Stone, Wood)
TTRPG Specs
References
Mentioned Articles
Ethnicity
Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2025
Answering: "A garment traditionally associated with a culture"
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Comments
Author's Notes
It's coming down to the wire, and I'm on FIRE! Special thanks to Tynen of the magnificent Kingdom of America for granting me the idea on this one! I named this Article after him. We were discussing the prompt when he brought up the idea of the cultural keffiyeh, which is a Middle-Eastern garment, under many different names. I thought it was interesting, but definitely something the peoples of the Ice Age would have appreciated. It's a practical garment with cultural relevance.
If I didn't use my writing for truth and personal expression, then I don't know what I'd be doing as a Writer. With that, I wish for peace, around the World, among many different peoples. I hope we can all some day settle our differences and focus on what matters- mutual survival in a harsh World.
Half way there and I don't care, I'm going to get there! Rock on! Super!
MYTH X
2025