Polynesia Themed Roleplaying

Polynesia Themed Roleplaying

The following is an upcoming series of posts about Polynesia Themed Roleplaying. This is in no way meant to be an academic sociological study but to provide an overview of cultural themes and provide inspiration for a non-europe centric based roleplaying. I have the utmost respect for the myriad of Polynesia cultures of Oceania and strive to be sensitive in my posts. This is intended solely for entertainment and use in roleplaying game campaigns at peoples game tables. 

Book Reviews

I will be doing a short series of book reviews the Island Warrior trilogy by author Carol Severance. The first in the series is the novel Demon Drums followed by Storm Caller and finally Sorcerous Sea.

Gamification 

As a companion series I will provide a guide on how to take inspiration from source material and translated it into game able material for roleplaying games. This includes but is not limited to maps, mini setting, monsters, spells, classes, magic items and NPCs.

Odds and Ends

Stray thoughts and ideas on the theme.

Sample Adventure

I will craft a short adventure set in a fictional Polynesian campaign setting. This will utilize the created content from inspirational material. 

Additional inspiration can also be found…

Jerome Arkenberg, “The Mythos of Polynesia in Dungeons and Dragons”, Dragon Magazine Vol. III No.6 (Issue 20); page 8,9, and 27

There is also Source Book  “Heroes of the Waves (a Polynesian sourcebook) usable with Pathfinder by Little Red Goblin Games

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/193467/Heroes-of-the-Waves-A-Polynesian-Sourcebook

Mythopoetic Games Has some interesting material and unique game system about the Maori.

http://www.mythopoeticgames.com/games.htm

http://www.mythopoeticgames.com/pdf/mythos-of-the-maori.pdf

Please note I have not used the above game material and do not vouch for it quality. This is not a product review after all. 

N is for N.P.C.'s

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  Firdir Hookbill


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  He Has a broken nose, wears a homespun green sash, harassed by common bats

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  Genedle the Spry


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  He has a Mane of dirty blonde hair, has a conical helmet with weird symbol on it, has an servant employed by his family for generations


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  Jertalynn the Spear-maiden


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  She has a tattoo of fox on her shoulder, wears armored boots, quotes from two books titled "Fortuitous Fables & Sages Sagas"

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  Vervet of Cragmoot


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  He is Pale with dark eyebrows, is a vegetarian, has a fondness for beheadings

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  Kirtaan Dovequill


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  She has freckles, wears furs of undetermined animals, fears the men of the moon

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  Ostiquin the bountiful


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  He Portly but has a quick step, wears a toupee, collects shells to build a grotto shrine

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  Hurn the Rake


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  He has heavy lidded eyes and appears asleep, has an ivory drinking horn covered in magical symbols, covets fine clothing

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  Jilti Staffcracker


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  She has a beauty mark, wears red leather boots and spurs, is trying to learn how to play a lyre

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  Ulis the Old


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  He Has a white beard, drinks only tea, scribbles in a diary he calls his staff "mr hoof"

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  Damar of Ramad


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  He Hears a hunting hat with a very long feather, has a pet hedge hog he calls Lickadaisy, enjoys the singing upbeat tempo songs

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  Ennagwaine Surespell


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  She wears a wimple, has a habit of avoiding night watch, has a large traveling spell book of reportedly made of dragon leather

BUFFOONS!

Slygoon Bone Scrather
*defaulted to 3rd ed
male human Ftr4
CR 4; Size M (5 ft., 9 in. tall); HD 4d10+4; hp 40; Init +4 (+4 Improved initiative); Spd 30 ft.; AC 10 (+1 helmet+4chain shirt); Attack +7 melee, or +4 ranged; SV Fort +5, Ref +1, Will -1; AL LN; Str 16, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 8.
Armor: +1 helmet; +4 chain shirt
Weapons: Longsword 1d8, crit 19-20/x2; heavy crossbow 1d10, crit19-20/x2
Languages Spoken: Common.Skill points: Ftr 21Skills and feats: Craft +6, Handle animal +5, Hide +2, Jump +5, Listen +0, Move silently +0, Spot +0, Swim +8; Alertness, Improved initiative, Point blank shot, Power attack, Weapon focus (heavy crossbow), weapon focus (longsword).Possessions: 3,300 gp in gear.
Slygoon is a sell-sword.

History: Slygoon Bone Scratcher is shifty and nervous sell-sword. He got his nick name by his constant scratching. He is unfortunately is the favored enemy of the common wood loose. He likes the nick name due to his claim that his so called magic sword is called 'Bone Scrathcer'. He is currently in the North working for all manner of despots and mad mages. He has a talent for skipping out on his employers when their end is near.