[Brainstorming] Old-timey fantastic New Orleans-esque city campaign

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

A dire snapping turtle would be terrifying.

You could probably go with a dire rat for nutria.

Kudzu would be a historical anachronism -- if this was meant to be New Orleans. I agree that sheets of kudzu leaves enveloping a forest at summertime is a great visual touchstone element of the American South.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Kudzu's not THAT bad of an anachronism...it was introduced to America from Japan in the 1870's.

http://www.cptr.ua.edu/kudzu/

And it would make an excellent source for shambling mounds...possibly as the sedentary breeding form of the planty critters.

 

[Kunimatyu]

Lesser Known RW Fauna in the area:

Nutria- members of the rodent family, these oversized water-rats are quite popular bayou fare.

Snapping Turtles- ranging from the 15lb versions up to the nearly 300lb Alligator Snappers, these aggressive ambush predators are quite dangerous...and tasty!

Lesser Known RW Flora in the area:

Kudzu- this invasive species of plant, because it can grow several inches per day, is everywhere. Its also a very nutritious (and tasty)- somewhat like kelp or seaweeds- but its not a part of the local diet...yet. Its such an aggressive plant that they use industrial strength pesticides to keep it at bay, and the locals haven't added it to the menu.

So, dire water-rats? I like it!

I have an amazing Alligator Snapping Turtle mini that's begging to be used, so I'm happy to hear that they're prevalent.

Kudzu, or something like it, would be an interesting addition - I think working it in in the Shambling Mound angle mentioned above would be really cool, or perhaps there's the odd witch-type who uses plants and weeds.

 

[Hypersmurf]

One fantastic element that springs to my mind is the Beggar King and his Invisible Court. He is what his title says - the King of all the Beggars in Sunrise. He rarely takes an active role in the political shenanigans, but his minions are all over the place. To most of the wealthy they don't exist and as a result they often hear important things that the speaker would rather go unheard. While the Beggar King guards his vast store of knowledge like a miser his gold, there may be opportunities to bargain with him. If something dark and ancient and evil has been preying on his subjects lately the King may trade his knowledge to those who put a stop to it.

Heh. In Sanctity, the city I set an occasional one-shot in, this role is filled by Marjory the Otyugh and her wererat guild. She lives under the City Dump, and the wererats are her eyes, her ears, and her conduits of information to and from the beggars...

-Hyp.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I just thought of a movie!

OK, its NOT the right time-setting, but...

Southern Comfort, with Fred Ward, Keith Carradine and Powers Boothe (among others, including Alan Autry of "Heat of the Night" TV show fame) is the "Deliverance"-esque story of a group of National Guard soldiers on weekend maneuvers in a Louisiana bayou...who tick off the local acadians (Cajuns) and become hunted. The Guardsmen don't even have live ammo...

Lots of nice visuals, some good Zydeco, a Ry Cooder score, and some NASTY swamp traps.

http://www.cptr.ua.edu/kudzu/

 

[I'm A Banana]

You might also want to check out Northern Crown AKA Septrionalis, AKA "The Early Americas D&D Setting." It's a great campaign setting that doesn't get nearly enough praise, and it has a short bit of Fantasy-style Nola.

You may also take a look at some of the Carribean/Pirates settings that have been out, which might have brief sections on something like Nawlins, and at least will be useful to pilfer for the entire Vodun/Voodoo angle.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Damn you KM! Northern Crown is an EXCELLENT suggestion and I wish I'd thought of it myself.

Northern Crown is DA BOMB! It will give you a great deal of material that is campaign appropriate. Also, though unintended by the original author, the "African" setting of Nyambe is also referenced in NC, with magic and classes that could form the backstory for your world's version of Voudoun.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Along those lines, Skull & Bones might also be a good source to draw from.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

S&B? I don't know that one...got anymore info, WD?

 

[I'm A Banana]

I was actually thinking Skull & Bones. It's kind of Caribbean-horror focused, so it's Voodoo is VOODOO, but it's got some great atmosphere.