LEGENDS OF HAWAIKI - Prologue

[Tonguez]

As the questioning continues you recall that Hiva is an archipelago laying eight to twelve days travel to the northeast beyond Tafitinui. The people of Hiva are considered uncivilised barbarians by the people of Tafitinui and by association Nukutea but you do not know much of the islands themselves as they lie outside the normal contact area of the Nukutere.

The Hiva explain that they heard that the Festival was being hosted by Takanui and that Haumea called them together to travel south for the 'adventure' - all are young men in their late teens and as 'Poea' (adventurers) likely all the sons of chiefs. They travelled south but avoided Tafitinui due to conflict between that nation and Hiva and instead came via the more dangerous atols and reefs of Makatea and Rakahiki.

Upon reaching Nukutere two days before the Ritual of Welcome they camped on a beach about 12 miles east of Takanui - which is probably in the vicinity of Kahe beach or Waihoro cove.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Tatiki thinks to himself, What do I know about the area. I've tried to scout and explore every inch of these islands. Remember Tiki Remember.
"Wise one? Is there maybe something where they were staying? some spirit that attacked the Hive swimmer and tried to get Tu-Ru as well?"

 

[Seonaid]

Lani, who has no head for politics, tries to think of groups who would benefit from having the Hiva and her people at war.

 

[Tonguez]

Tatiki thinks to himself, What do I know about the area. I've tried to scout and explore every inch of these islands. Remember Tiki Remember.
"Wise one? Is there maybe something where they were staying? some spirit that attacked the Hive swimmer and tried to get Tu-Ru as well?"

Kahe you know


"Waihoro is a one of the Wild places*" the gnome says in a matter of fact tone and you are not so suprised that you know little of the area.

You see many uneasy expressions at the mention of the Wild Places, and the Hiva collectively groan and mutter prayers of protection. The Wild places are areas that the Menehune hold sacred, preserves where it is said untamed spirits hold sway and people are ever in danger.
Kahe beach lies between Takanui and Waihoro and is also a border area between two other clans . Waihoro's proximity to Kahe Beach is what has kept settlement from that beach though it remains contested territory.

"many things live there" the Wise One continues "but Tamumu is the chief amongst that 'race' - he is not one to attack

Hmm but if these Hiva were camped at Kahe then perhaps someone needs to go see with their own eyes what has happened - hmmm."

Lani, who has no head for politics, tries to think of groups who would benefit from having the Hiva and her people at war.

Unfortunately your knowledge of Hiva is still scant, only the common rumours about all Hiva being cannibals, that they eat their food raw and live only to kill and devour their enemies.

ooc a bit of Druidic Lore for Tatiki's eyes only

Waihoro is one of the wild places of the island, forbidden places were humans have not yet encroached and where untamed spirits still hold sway. When humans first came to the islands of Hawaiki they found the Menehune already there and indeed the Wise Ones claim that they appeared when the islands themselves were born. As ‘eaters of wood’ the Menehune survived by collecting the produce of the forests and shore and it was not until the humans with their 'agriculture' arrived, that the spirits of the land began to be subdued and Wild places began to disappear.

The Menehune then struck a deal whereby they agreed to keep the untamed spirits and other 'monsters' contained as long as the Humans (Tangata, Urukehu and Opunga) stayed out of the few preserved Wild Places (which are sacred sites). It has largely been this agreement that has facilitated the quick expansion of Tangata across the islands without wholesale opposition from the indiginous spirits. The reason the Menehune agreed to do this is still unclear...

 

[Argent Silvermage]

"My Chief." Tatiki says finding a back bone in front of the chief, "It may be good mana to send a group into the wild place to see what has been disturbed. They could them try to appease the spirits if needs be."

 

[Seonaid]

"Hmm but if these Hiva were camped at Kahe then perhaps someone needs to go see with their own eyes what has happened - hmmm."

Lani grabs onto that bit like a lifeline, it being a way--seemingly the only way--she can help. "I would be willing to go, Chief," she says after Tatiki speaks.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Lani grabs onto that bit like a lifeline, it being a way--seemingly the only way--she can help. "I would be willing to go, Chief," she says after Tatiki speaks.

"If Lani Goes So do I" says Tatiki. He will not allow her to come to harm.

 

[wolff96]

Wai, who has been sitting quietly and not commenting as all the unfamiliar information flowed around him, suddenly perks up.

"Sounds like an adventure. I would be happy to go as well. Perhaps we can learn a bit more about what is going on." A thought occurs to Wai and he sags a bit. "I really don't have a lot of knowledge about the spirits or what is going on, though. Perhaps you should send someone a bit more knowledgeable."

Wai waits tensely, hoping to gain permission to travel off the island, despite the reasonable suggestion he felt compelled to make.

 

[Tonguez]

"My Chief." Tatiki says finding a back bone in front of the chief, "It may be good mana to send a group into the wild place to see what has been disturbed. They could them try to appease the spirits if needs be."

"It is a dangerous task for anyone" Chief Makea Takanui replies considering the suggestion made.
"Noone has even been to the base of Waihoro, it is dense with jungle and whether by land or sea its keepers guard it well. Kahe beach is open but it is watched."

His expression changes as Lani and Wai volunteer and satisfied he decides to endorse the endeavor
" With your leave Wise One" the Chief continues, first addressing the Menehune Elder "a group will set out in the morning to Kahe Beach and Waihoro to see what trouble might lie there. One versed in the way of the Spirits to accompany them. Is this acceptable?"

Looking up the Menehune nods...

 

[Seonaid]

Lani smiles tensely, but also with relief that something is going to be done. And that she will be a part of it.