checks

Not to be confused with the payment method, Czech people, dictionary definitions, etc.

Checks are people who go around "just checking" to see if your door is unlocked. Some may also check windows or other lockable areas. They'll often do this on a routine basis in a given area.

Mostly they are bottom-tier, opportunistic burglars who, as soon as they realize your door is locked, will be gone and continue on to "check" the next one. Catching them relies on being able to notice and bait their pattern successfully.

Some may also be homeless, sex offenders, or otherwise fuckin weirdos, so it's really just best to keep your doors locked, this isn't the 1950's, people.

"Yo, is someone trying to open the door?"
"Wut?"
"I said someone just tried to get inside the fuckin' house!"
"Oh, those are just the Checks. Evening rounds, nothing to worry about. They're already gone."

Rusyn

Not to be confused with Russian. The Rusyn people (sometimes called Ruthenian) are a fairly small Slavic ethnic group from the Eastern Carpathian region in Central Europe. Fond of their dances, traditional attire, and a good festival to get everyone having a nice time.

Mostly pretty chill people. Historically they were constantly overlooked and trodden over every time a new ruling faction or nation invaded or mowed its borders over their No Man's Land (which had a fairly small social footprint).

Because many blended in to the society of whichever country was closest, or if they came to America they just identified as Polish etc, we may never know how many there are. Just know that if you're only recently finding out about your Carpathian / Rusyn heritage, you make up the remnants of the remnants of an ancient European culture that has stood the test of time, and that's pretty special.

Person A: All of my ancestors came from the Eastern Carpathian region. We called ourselves Slovak, but it wasn't until much later that I learned we're actually Rusyn.

Person B: No way, central Europe! You guys are literally Middle Earth, right?

Person A: Aye, we're pretty much the closest thing in Europe to hobbits. Stubborn as hell but no hyperinflated egos here.