When we think of gypsies, we genuinely think of the Romani people, but really there are several different ethnic groups with histories that can all be placed in the category with the Romani. Here is a list of the few ethic groups that can be considered gypsies:

• The Romani people
• the Dom people
•  the Lom people
•  The Banjara
• The Irish Travellers
• The Scottish Travellers
• The Yeniche people
• The Sri Lankan gypsies.

Since there are different kinds of gypsies in the real world, we might as well pull that aspect and have different kinds of gypsies in game too. Particularly since there are different races, and a particular race might fit better for a particular gypsy, or a particular personality that you want to play for that matter.

Romani-

When we think of gypsies, it’s usually these people that we think of. This is an ethic that is known to settle into different areas to find a home. It was believed that they originally came from Egypt. In fact the term “gypsy” originates from the term “Egyptian” in English. It is thought to believed that they were exiled or punished for something and banished from their home – Eygpyt. In actuality they might not have come from Egypt at all but India. It just goes to show that there is a lot of misunderstanding about this ethic group.

Dom-

This is an ethic group from india, that was originally thought to be a part of the Romani until recently. These people are particularly expressive with singing and dancing. They are particularly famous for their dancing.

Lom-

This ethic group is also known as Bosha, Armenian Gypsies, or Caucasian Gypsies. They were also once thought to be a part of the Romani, when in truth they are their own separate group. They are generally in Asia minor and Armenia.

Banjara-

This is an ethic group in India that is mostly known for their nomadic ways, and the color costumes the woman like to wear. It’s from them that we get the image of gypsy woman with bangles, and coin like jewelry on their hair and around her necks and arms while banging a tambourine.

Irish Travellers-

This ethic group is also known as Pavee. They are a  nomadic group that is originally from Ireland. This group is particularly famous for being the traveling tinkers, or sales men. In the stories about peddlers going into a village, or tinkerer wondering about is usually referred to them.

Scottish Travellers-

The Scottish Travellers are known to be a combination of Irish Travelers and the Romani. It’s generally believed that they are decedent from Romani settlers who came to Scotland or that area. They travel around and sell things like the Irish travellers, but they share a similar culture to the Romani.

Yeniche-

This is a nomadic ethic group that is found in France,  and Wallonia, maybe Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Flanders, and Switzerland.  It is believed that they originate from the Celts, are similar to the Scottish Travellers. They are mostly famous for living with their extended families. As in, no one ever moves out.

Sri Lankan-

These are nomadic group of people that are found in Sri Lanka. It is believed that they came from Inida. It’s these guys that we get the fortune telling and snake charming gypsies from.

References-

This very tiny description of these ethic groups is brought to you by Wikipedia, and my own memories.