From ThreadsOfTime

The People

The people of the region are curious mix of Hungarian, Romanian, and Germans being the most numerous. There are many Slavs, Jews, Gypsies, Tartars and Turks who claim residence as well. The only ones among these who comprise a significant portion of the population are the Gypsies and the Jews.

Once past an initial distrust, the people are generally warm hearted and concerned for the well begins of others. They do, however, live with the guidance of ancient knowledge and use charms and folk remedies that Westerners cannot hope to understand without experiencing the reality for themselves. Therefore, they are often cautious around strangers, occasionally seeming stand-offish or even hostile until the visitor has proven to be harmless.

Nonetheless, it is a rare citizen who will not at least offer a traveler a crucifix or a place to sleep when night falls -- provided the traveler arrives before sunset. However, most will refuse to open the door to someone arriving after dark. To do so might be tantamount to inviting a denizen of the dark inside.