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. 

DYING EARTH

I just finished Jack Vance's 'Dying Earth' series. The series was a bit rambling and dense at times. Although I really enjoyed the episodic Cugel stories. I now really get the whole 'Vancian Magic' concept. Memorizing complicated spells, intoning strange syllables and making odd gesturing. Then after the spell is used it is wiped from your memory. I also learned some cool spell naming schemes.

Here is a few spell names of my own design.

Fastidious Rending Lash
Doubtful Distracting Hiccup
Radiant Glow of Ennui
Resplendent Parting Gesture
Flippant False Feign
Tilting Perception of Time
and
Fragrant Urge of Embarrassment

I whole heartily recommend the series.