HAWAIKI: Mythic Polynesia - The Legend begins...

Tonguez

A suffusion of yellow
SETTING: HAWAIKI -Mythic Polynesia.
Scattered like stars across the endless sea the Islands of Hawaiki are a paradise where adventure rides across the ocean waves and lurks in the jungles depths.

Hawaiki is a vast region of islands scattered across “Te Moananui a Kiwa” (the Great Ocean of Kiwa), distant from any other land the mainly tropical Islands appear suddenly in mid ocean and can be easily missed by the unobservant explorer as mere specks on the horizon. For the most part volcanic islands or remnants of coral atolls the Islands of Hawaiki are home to a unique and vibrant people.

NUKUTERE
Nukutere is a large volcanic Island in Hawaiki-raro with an encircling reef and dominated by the two volcanic peaks of ‘ikurangi and Tuirangi. The Interior is hilly and covered in dense forest except where plantations have been established, plantation farming is quite extensive. The Island was settled about fifty years ago from Tafitinui (800 miles NE) and two-way traffic between the islands is maintained. Nukutere is the largest of about five islands that form the Nukutea group.

1. Population: Humans are the major inhabitants of Nukutere, , Menehune (gnomes) are encountered in the forests and Taipo (goblins) occasionally seen but are not resident on Nukutere (coming instead from other islands in the Nukutea group). A secluded Hautupu (giant) village is found in the Valley of Tamaro
2. Leadership: Nukutere is divided into five motu (districts) each with its own resident Human clan. Each clan have their own chiefs who collectively hold all mana over the island. The Island does not currently have a ruling Ariki, however the Chief Makea of Takanui district is steadily gaining influence and may soon have the authority to claim that status. Gnome settlements are scattered throughout the rainforest and highlands. Religious authority rests with the Sorceress ‘Matava’ine’ an aunt of Makea Takanui.
3. Religion: The Tane cult is the major sect on Nukutere, with Tangaloa and Tu having minor influence.The first settlers on Nukutere established an Ahu (Shrine) at ‘ikurangi which has been established as a large Malae tapu named Mahuanui dedicated to Tane.
4. Technology: Neolithic Maritime Nukutere has no metals or usable clay. However its woodcarving and weaving skills are well known across the Islands. Obsidian is sourced from the islet of Tuhua offshore from Arapaoa Bay and used for weapons and tools
4. Economics: A well developed series of terrace plantations is maintained on the islands rainy side with some irrigation channels being established to feed the dry side. Taro and Gourds are a major crop. Coconuts, breadfruit, mangoes and similar fruits are readily available in coastal plantations. Fish are abundant in the lagoon with fish traps established in some districts. Specialty crafts include drums, carved bowls and red feather garments
5. Fauna: Wild pig, giant lizards, various birds, vermin and Nanakia are found in the rainforests.. Domestic stock includes Pigs, Chickens and Dog. Marine predators include Sharks, Stingrays, Manta rays and Merrow. Fekepunga (Aberrations) have been seen in the past
6. Notable Sites: Mahuanui Malae at ‘ikurangi, the Valley of Tamaro (Hautupu village), Kulau reef, Matahaea Valley, Tuhua Islet


Anyone interested in playing this setting probably start at Lvl 3, 30pt buy.

NB This will be my first fime running a DnD PbP - so please be nice:D.
I have however done some freeform PbP games before. I'm also quite freeform in my approach to DnD too.
 
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Tonguez

A suffusion of yellow
THE PEOPLE
The people of Hawaiki have an advanced Neolithic (stone-age) Maritime culture dominated by the interaction of land and sea. They have no knowledge of metals and metalwork. Natural materials like stone, bone, shell, teeth, wood and other plant fibres are used for all material goods, claywork is known but not widely practiced. The wheel has not been invented (and is not very useful on the hilly Islands) and no large land mammals exist.

Buildings in Hawaiki are relatively modest dwellings of timber and thatch, slightly raised on short piles. Larger houses are built for Ariki and temples tend to great magnificence and may be built from stone and coral
The People of Hawaikis are capable and intrepid sailors, and excellent navigators.The most advanced technology maintained by the people of Hawaiki is Maritime, including construction of various vaka (watercraft) and their vast knowledge of navigation and techniques used to guide their double hulled and outrigger catamarans across "Te Moananui a Kiwa¨ (The Great Ocean of Kiwa).
The Vaka of the Hawaiki range from tiny reed bundles, small dug-out canoes to are high-sided outrigger and double-hulled catamarans.. The largest, built for international trading expeditions, can be forty to seventy feet long and are fast, sleek and very seaworthy.

The People of Hawaiki are separated into fiercely independent clans who occupy a single district and are lead by a council of elders and in most cases a hereditary chieftain. All members of a clan are related and the chief rules by consent of his people. Society is hierarchical, status determined on the basis of order of descent from founder ancestors and thus the Divine atua. Four social castes are evident throughout the Islands ¡V Ariki (Nobles), Matahau (Aristocrats), Commoners and Slaves. A fifth group of clanless outcasts exists and is widely reviled.
The Characters are leading members of their Clan and primarily of the Matahau¡ caste. Besides Tangata (Humans) other peoples found across Hawaiki include Opunga (Half-orcs), Urukehu (Half-elves), Menehune (gnomes), Taipo (goblins) and Hautupu (Giants). Other races are known on various islands but not often encountered. (Note in Hawaiki Half-orcs and Half-elves are considered human).

MANA: Status and Influence
While status is determined by order of descent from founder ancestors all members of a clan are related and thus all members can claim a degree of Mana (authority). As such the Influence a person has over others in the clan is often more important than status in terms of final Authority. In this manner a Matahau or in rare cases even a commoner could gain more Mana than the Ariki and so attain the Chieftainship of a clan, the Ariki maintaining only ceremonial status.
An individuals Influence is determined by their actions, their charisma and importantly their ability to provide for others. Someone with great Influence has greater ability to access and use the resources of the clan, they will have greater support amongst the people, and greater capacity to secure the loyalty and handiworks of skilled craftsman, warriors, and tohunga. Moreover great Influence means great mana, the ability to weild powerful objects and the interest and favour of the Atua (spirits).
Initial Mana is Level + Cha, a PC with Influence of 0 or less is of Commoner status and must seek the patronage of a more influential PC.
As Hawaiki has no concept of a money economy (being based instead on Ritual Gift Exchange) Influence determines the relative 'wealth' of a character and their ability to access and use resources and equipment they require. Starting Characters may use the standard starting wealth in the PHB however all subsequent item acquisitions are based on Influence. All items have a Influence DC it is assumed that a PC can access all items with a DC equal or less than their Influence. Items with higher DCs require an Influence check (D20+Influence) see Equipment Table (below) for more details

RACES
„« Tangata - The Humans of Hawaiki tend to be tall and well muscled. Skintones are from tan to dark brown and hair black and wavy or curly. Tangata are common throughout Hawaiki being adventurous and adaptable (as PHB Humans)
„« Urukehu - Of slighter build and paler skin than Tangata Urukehu are a handsome race believed to be descended from Fey. Urukehu are notable for their green eyes and hair that ranges from light brown to rusty red (often curly). (as PHB Half-elfs)
„« O'Punga (halforcs) -are thick set, squat and brutish individuals believed to be descended from Punga the Guard Spirit of Lizards, Stingrays and other Ugly Creatures who acts as their patron. Most O'Punga are killed at birth but a few gain the sympathy of sentimental grandmothers and so survive to adulthood where they may prove themselves in battle. O'Punga suffer a -1 to all INFLUENCE checks. (as PHB halforcs)
(NB Tangata, Opunga and Urukehu are all considered 'Human' in Hawaiki and are encountered in Human settlements).

„« Menehune - Menehune are common on some islands where they are known for their prowess in construction and also in magics. They are small creatures standing around 2 feet tall, and many have thick beards. (as PHB Gnomes)
„« Taipo - Taipo are common on many islands throughout Hawaiki, often found skulking through the forests undergrowth. Much despised they survive by stealing and scavenging from others. suffer a -2 to all INFLUENCE checks (as MM Goblin Str -2 Dex +2 Cha -2, +4 racial bonus to Move Silently, +6 Ride Wild Boar)

CLASS
PHB Fighter, Barbarian, Ranger, Rogue, Bard, Cleric, Druid (will consider 3.5 version), Scorcerer
OTHER Sea Ranger (homebrew), Shaman (DUSK version)
Homebrew PrCs: alt.Paladin, Whalerider

SKILLS
The Ride Skill is unknown in Hawaiki as no large land mammals exist as in other lands. Instead the Ride skill is replaced by the ¡¥Vaka¡¦ Skill allowing characters to use the various dugouts, outrigger canoes, catamarans and other watercraft of the islands.

RELIGION
Tane (Animal, Knowledge, Plant)
Tangaroa (Water, Chaos, Destruction)
Tu (War, Strength, Destruction)
Rongo (Healing, Plant, Protection)
TafiriMaomao (Air, Destruction, Travel)

Many other dieties are found across the islands of Hawaiki ranging from minor family guardians to those invoked as tribal protectors. All core book domains are available for selection with Atua invoked to suit

Eg Domains: Fire, Destruction, Earth could include ¡V Ru atua of Earthquakes, Pele the Atua of Kilauea Volcano or Atoro tupua of Geothermal activity

Language and Names
„« A,E, F,H,I,K,L,M,N,Ng,O,P,R,S,T,U,W,V,¡¦
No double consanants (ng is a dipthong pronounced as in siNGer) and all syllabless end with a vowel (eg Rangi)
Pronounciation
A = car, E = Deer, I = Bee, O=For U= Moon Ng = siNGer

Names
These are some common name elements, combine them and other syllables to your hearts content:)
Afa, Lani, Mata, Rangi, Ru, Tama, Tane, Tu
Fetu, Hina, Hine, Lani, Moana, Wai, Va¡¦ine
eg Hina-tu-moana, Tama-mata-rangi, Tupoua Kamasese Anutuvai
 
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G

Guest 11456

Guest
Tu-Ru O'Punga Barbarian

Character Name: Tu-Ru
Race: O'Punga
Class: Barbarian
Alignment: Chaotic Good

Gender: Male
Age: 20
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230#
Skin: Dark
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black

Character Level: 3
EXP Points Gained: 6,000
EXP Needed For Next Level: 10,000

Known Language: Hawaiki-Raro

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Strength: 20 (+5)
Dexterity: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 14 (+2)
Intelligence: 6 (-4)
Wisdom: 10 (+0)
Charisma: 6 (-4)

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Armor Class: 12
Flatfooted Armor Class: 10
Touch Armor Class: 12

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Hit Points: 12+2d12+6

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Save vs. Fortitude: +5
Save vs. Reflex: +3
Save vs. Will: +1

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Initiative Modifier: +2
Base Attack Bonus: +3
Melee Attack Bonus: +8
Ranged Attack Bonus: +5

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Weapons:
Unarmed Strike (Medium, +8, 1d3+5, 20/x2, Bludgeoning)
Greatclub (Large, +8, 1d10+7, 20/x2, Bludgeoning)

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Skills:
Climb/8 (Str) ** 3 ranks
Jump/8 (Str) ** 3 ranks
Swim/11 (Str) ** 6 ranks

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Feats:
Endurance
Improved Unarmed Strike

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Special:
Darkvision 60’
Rage 1/day
Fast Movement
Uncanny Dodge

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Equipment & Gear:
Loincloth
Greatclub

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Base Speed: 40 ft
Normal Speed: 40 ft
 
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Seonaid

Explorer
Still accepting? An Urukehu Sea Ranger or Whalerider sounds cool. I'd have to see the specifics first, obviously, but consider me interested!
 

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