Character 91 - Rangi

For this week’s character I went out of my way to write up my own halfling culture based in Tian-Xia. So this week’s character belongs to the Tagata halflings on Minata, which are based on Samoan culture. This choice certainly set the tone for the kinds of characters I would make. Having only a high constitution and charisma limited the choice of classes that he would be any good at. Then I had to fit in some of the background information: born to an omen, to a seafaring people, and worshiping the god of sea and storms. I jumped immediately to the idea of a kineticist.

Rangi

Born on the day of a raging storm that did not touch his people’s home island of Uali’a, Rangi was considered to be touched by the god Hei Feng himself. This meant from the time of his birth a lot more was expected of him than the other children of the tribe. Even though he was born to a pair of craftsmen and not a chief or a medicine man, his people treated him as though he was of a higher station.

When Rangi was old enough to understand why people treated him in such away he began to fear he would never live up to other’s expectations. Being somehow chosen made the young halfling want to run and hide. But Rangi was treated to a laundry list of mentors that his patron, the chief of the tribe, paid to discover what abilities the omen meant he would have.

He learned some medicine from the tribes Fofo, a type of witch doctor. Although he never achieved his own communion he worked with the Taula who could take the spirits within him. The tribe’s shaman taught him everything he needed to know about the spirit world itself, and how to get there. He even learned the art of tattoo from the tufuga ta tatau. Rangi took in all of these lessons but excelled at none of them.

With all these mentors – masters of their field all – it was someone with no practical life experience that helped Rangi find his calling. Lanuola was the first girl he ever loved and during their time together she would always tell him that he needed to be himself and not what others wanted him to be. She said he should be like the water that flows in its own patterns and when it meets an obstacle it goes around instead of through. Her words themselves were prophetic for his true power came when the two were swimming. That was where he learned he had the power over water itself.

Gaoioi’Suavai or water movers haven’t existed among the Tagata in ages. Legend says the great Gaoioi’Suavai left with the expeditions to find the homeland after the cataclysm that broke Minata in to small island. They would use their power over water to help move va’a tale at great speed across the ocean. A Gaoioi’Suavai had not been seen among the Tagata since then and Rangi was now the inheritor of their power.

After the manifestation of his power Rangi gave himself over to the sea. He could always be found out on a fishing vessel, diving for crabs, or just swimming around his island home. There was no one to teach him to use his power, although the storytellers could related tales passed down from the time before. He still had to learn everything on his own. The power did go a little to his head and he became obsessed with his reputation and being the ‘protector’ of his people.

When they oyster beds were mysteriously being ravaged Rangi took it upon himself to solve the mystery. He waited day and night for over a week, stalking the beds to which his tribe laid their bivalves. It was on the night of the full moon that he saw the crab-like creature devouring the oysters, particularly the ones that had pearls sitting with them.

The creature is it turns out was a rare elemental species – consigned to a physical form – called a tojanida. The one thing these creatures enjoy about their physicality is the taste and texture of food. The oysters with their pearls were something new that this particular creature had grown a taste for. The problem is that pearls are the only form of money that the Tagata have to trade with the outside world. So Rangi used his considerable persuasive power to convince him to eat elsewhere.

Now Rangi seeks other ways to grow his own legend. He wants the Gaoioi’Suavai to mean something to his people again and for himself to be the forefather of the new era of those with the ability. He expects that he is the first, but not the last and he needs to be ready to train those who come after him.

What did you do with your halfling? What class did you choose? What omen came at his birth? Did he live up to that omen? Why does he worship Hei Feng? What non-humanoid creature did he seduce?

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but helps you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to create, please consider supporting your favorite content provider – that’s me, right? – by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon or making a direct donation to my Paypal.

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Island Hopping

The Tagata Halflings of Minata

I’ve done a few of these non-human racial ethnicities over the past two years, but each of them was written from a small snippet deep in some book about an existing subculture of a race. This time around I went off on my own to add a new culture of halflings to the world of Golarion. You will not find these halflings mentioned in any of the splat books for Paizo’s campaign world as they are fully created by me. Halflings that have roots in what would be real world Polynesian culture have always been something I wanted to create and so I present to you the Tagata.

History

For many years people thought that halflings were native only to Avistan. When the Chelish colonizers came to Sargava and found that there were tribes of savage halflings roaming the jungles that myth was proven false. Halflings have actually spread out all across the face of Golarion, although in areas where they haven’t attached themselves to human society and culture like Avistan they sometimes go unnoticed.

Although the northern islands of Minata are well explored and trade with the Tian-Xia mainland, much of the southern reaches remains a mystery. The Rendah Pulu region is feared for its demon worshiping humanoids, many of whom are thought to be cannibals. Because of this lack of extensive explorations, the halflings of the region – who call themselves the Tagata meaning “the people” – have gone all but unnoticed.

Most of the history of the Tagata is held in verbal accounts and seems to back up the legends of the Minata region. As the story goes, they migrated with the humans known as the Taumata when the region was one giant landmass that led to Sarusan. When Hei Feng destroyed the mass because of the arrogance of the humans he scattered the remaining islands all across the sea. With everything destroyed the Tagata were sent nearly back to the stone age and were unable to return to their homeland.

The halflings of the islands of Minata very quickly learned to sail and navigate (mechanics note: Tagata halflings replace the Luck racial trait with the Wanderlust racial trait). Many of their number set sail on va’a tele, the great seafaring versions of their outrigger canoes known as va’a. None of these great sea goers ever returned and so the Tagata made a life for themselves hidden away on the islands.

Physiology

For the most part the Tagata halflings are no different from their kin in Avistan or Garund. Their time in the sun and at sea means their skin tends to be darker and more weathered, but that’s about the extent of their physical changes. They still retain grace and strong-will halflings are known for, as well as the keen ears of their people across Golarion.

Society

There are three main parts to the Tagata society: faith, family, and music. The family is regarded as an integral part of a one's life. The aiga, or extended family, works and lives together. Elders in the family are shown great respect and hold the highest status. This may be seen at a traditional Sunday umu, a gathering to eat around the earthen oven known as the umu.

The family lives in a fale, which is a massive wooden structure that has no walls. As many as twenty halflings sleep under the canopy of the fale, representing the entirety of an extended family in many cases. The fale is also used for chatting and relaxing during the day making it a central part of the Tagata family life.

Tattoos play a large role in the Tagata society. Although there are tattooist on each island and even within each tribe, there is but one master tattooist or tufuga ta tatau. The title of tufuga ta tatau is a hereditary one in the clan called the Matai. The Master tattooist is afforded high social status –rivaling that of a chief – and legendary prestige due to his important role in Tagata society.

The traditional tattoo that covers from the waist to the knees worn by the male is called a pe’a. Those halflings who have the full tattoo soga'imiti and are respected for their courage. Those who have yet to begin the tattooing process are called telefua, which literally translates to naked. If one starts the tattooing process and bows out due to pain, or for inability to pay the tattooist they are given a mark of shame and called pe'amutu.

The traditional female tattoo is called the malu and covers much less space and typically has finer and more intricate designs. Originally these tattoos were only for the chief’s daughter, and still to this day the malu given to the daughter of shows her importance to the village. In recent generations other women have also gotten the malu, but this is mainly an excuse for young apprentice tattoo artists to get experience.

Music is also an important part of the Tagata society. Songs are sung and dances performed at almost every important tribal function. Music also finds its way into everyday life and almost every Halfling can be found singing either loudly or to themselves while they perform their work for the day.

The music of the Tagata is heavy on drums as well as a traditional instrument – a rolled up mat beaten with sticks – called the fala. In private for individual amusement small groups will play the jaw harp, raft panpipe, or a nose-blown flute. These instruments are also accompanied by choral singing.

Although most dances are done to some kind of music there is one done without such accompaniment. Fa'ataupati or slap dance is traditionally performed by groups of men. The men clap in sync with each other and this slapping, clapping, and foot stomping replaces the need for instruments. Because of the slapping this dance is usually done after the dancers are covered in coconut oil.

The Tagata hunt and gather on the islands which they reside, but their real love is the sea. Fishing isn’t just an occupation, it is a way of life. Every Tagata learns to sail and fish at an early age. The halflings also do a hefty amount of crabbing for variety. The ocean also supplies shells which are used in art, as trade items, and crafted into musical instruments. Some halflings take up pearl diving supplying their tribes with a means to trade outside of the Tagata culture, as well as for decorations for high ranking members of the clan.

Alignment and Faith

For the most part the Tagata halflings try to live a life at peace with themselves and nature. They are much more worried about their day to day lives than the eternal battle between good and evil or law and chaos. After the destruction of Minata when it was a land bridge they decided not to take sides and remain mostly neutral.

The Tagata worship some of the Tian deities, and pay homage to others as not to upset them. The tribal halflings also worship many tribal spirits alongside the gods of the land. Hei Feng is the most respected deity among the Tagata, both because they fear he could wipe out Minata next time and because he is the god of the sea. The shamans and medicine men of the tribes tend to venerate Qi Zhong for his domain over magic and medicine. Sun Wukong is evoked at almost all celebrations where the Tagata enjoy drinking and the occasional practical joke.

Lady Nanbyo and Yamatsumi aren’t so much worshiped as placated. The region has a few active and dormant volcanoes and earthquakes happen from time to time. The Tagata make sacrifices to both of these deities in an attempted to minimize the destruction they might cause.

Relations

Few if any of the modern Tian people known as the Tian-Sing have had any contact with these halflings. Many think that they are just a myth although the reed boat making Taumata who descended from the original Taumata people of Sarusan do trade with the Tagata halflings. The halflings also have some dealings with the reclusive Wayang who inhabit some of the islands in the Rendah Pulu region.

Many of the other humanoids in the area are dangerous and hostile. Years of sailing around the islands have given Tagata a good idea of which islands are safe and which are leaga, or evil. Some of the halflings have left markings on trees near the shores of these islands to warn away others who may not know of the dangers.

Adventurers

Although the Tagata rarely get beyond the southern reaches of Minata  there is still plenty of places for the young and the brave to find adventure. When the evils of the other islands rises up, Tagata parties will move head first to stop them. Ancient ruins of patently non-tian design have also made their presence known – especially after earthquakes – and young halflings will gather to explore their depths.

Those adventurers with magical might tend to be nature based casters. Shaman, witches, and druids are the most common casters among the Tagata. On occasion oracles and sorcerers will show up in a clan as well. Wizards, arcanists, and magi are almost unheard of. Some worshipers of Qi Zhong focused on natural medicines may become alchemists.

Among the more martial minded hunters, barbarians, rangers and straight-up fighters can be found in abundance. The Tagata have an unarmed style of fighting which mostly deals in hit and run tactics against larger opponent’s knees. Masters of this art becomes well renown brawlers.

Music being a central part of the Tagata cultures means that the halflings of the Minata islands see many bards and skalds among their ranks. Some skalds have mastered the Fa'ataupati and made it into a dance to intimidate any foe. Tagata war singers are often found on the frontlines on the rare occasion the halflings war, and they are a welcome addition to any adventuring party.

What kind of cultures for other races would you like to see? Would you add these halflings to your Golarion campaign? Would you adapt them to your homebrew world? This is just a short write-up, but what other information would you like to see about the Tagata?

The music of the Tagatahalflings is the music of creation, much like the CRB. If you’ve enjoyed this write-up please consider becoming a contributor. Monthly donations of as little as one dollar can be made to my Patreon. A one-time donation can easily be made to my Paypal. Every bit helps me keep the lights on so I can concentrate on bringing you the content you deserve.

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Random Roll 91 - The Randomness

Born of prophecy this week’s random roll is a Halfling from the land of Tian. The past few times we’ve had a lot to choose from with the give stats. This time we only have a good constitution and charisma so our choices have been truncated. Still a lof of interesting things to go with and you can see how I do it this Friday.

Gender: Male

Race:Halfling

Nationality:Tian Xia

Age:  29

Height: 3’ 1”

Weight: 34lbs

Alignment:Chaotic Neutral

Str: 10

Dex: 10

Con:  16

Int: 11

Wis: 9

Cha: 18

Homeland: Halfling Settlement

Parents: Both of your parents are alive.

Siblings: You have 1 biological sibling.

- biological younger sister

Circumstance of Birth: [The Omen] The sages, priests, or wizards of your society decreed your birth an omen of a coming age or event—perhaps you are an omen of promise, perhaps one of dark times ahead.

Parent's Profession: Artisans

Major Childhood Event: [Mentorship/Patronage] A mentor or patron took an interest in your development and volunteered to train or sponsor you. This creature's motives might not be entirely clear, but without its influence you would not be who you are.

Influential Associate:[The Lover] You had a romantic connection in your adolescent years, and this person deeply influenced your personality. Perhaps this was a first love, a casual partner you grew close to, or the one who got away. The experience bolstered your confidence in romantic interactions even though you often find your thoughts still straying toward that special someone from so long ago.

Conflict: [Seducer] You tempted or manipulated someone to act in accordance with your whim, careless of whether it was in their own best interests.

Conflict Subject: Non-humanoid monster.

Conflict Motivation: Money.

Conflict Resolution: [No Guilt] Either guilt is for the weak, or you know you made the right decision. You might not openly brag about your part in the conflict, but you don’t deny it when confronted either.

Deity/Religious Philosophy:Hei Feng

Romantic Relationship(s): [Several Significant Relationships] You’ve engaged in a number of partnerships, but for some reason or another your relationships always fail.

Drawback: [Reputation or Fame] You’ve worked hard to establish your identity and reputation, and someone who slanders or insults you must answer for it. You strive to promote your identity to the point where everyone knows your reputation.

(Trait) Artisan

(Trait) Charming

(Trait) Civilized

(Trait) Mentored

(Trait) Omen

(Trait) Well-Informed

(Story Feat) True Love

(Drawback) Vain

In the comments give us your ideas for how to make this into a fully realized character? What class would this character take up? What was the prophecy of his birth? Who was his patron or mentor? How was he influenced by a lover? And don’t forget to stay tuned Friday when my background hits the CRB.

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but makes you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to created please consider supporting your favorite content provider – that’s me right – by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon or making a direct donation to my Paypal.

If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to get the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle Subscriptions through Amazon. And to keep up with my other musings and thoughts you can follow the CRB on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Character 87 - Mahita

This week’s random rolls left a lot of room to work with. There is so little written on the Impossible Kingdoms of Vudra, and I even got to invent a war. But looking at our character it was almost obvious that I was going to have to go with a wisdom-based caster, but I had to find something that would make use of her high strength and constitution. My initial thought was ranger, but in the long run I decided the intrinsic connection to the Matra river was important and made her a river druid. So I introduce you to our Vundrani halfling and steward of the river.

Mahita

Halflings were never native to Vudra, but as the people of Avistan began to build trade routes through the Impossible Kingdoms many of the sailors who plied those routes were halflings. Some of those little folk set up homes in Vudra, although their numbers are still few and far between. Like many other halflings who latch on to the human cultures in which they live, these Vudrani halflings would adopt some of the native culture’s traditions.

One of these groups of halflings went back to their forebearer’s itinerant ways and they became nomads of the great Matra River. They lived off of barges and brought trade goods up and down its banks. As the story goes: Early on in their time in Vudra the leader of the group, a charismatic hafling named Urly, saved a Vudran princess from drowning. The Rajah wished to give him a reward -- lands and a title -- but the halfling wanted to continue to ply the river. So the Vudrani ruler made him the prince of the section of the Matra River that ran through his kingdom.

Generations later the river dwelling halflings still claim that section of the River as their own. They are the only halflings with hereditary titles in all of Vudra. The current Prince of the River is a man named Nadish, having adopted Vudrani names over the generations. Nadish has five children including a daughter named Mahita.

Mahita took after her father in that she loved the river. Everything from the water to the banks held her interest. She wanted nothing more than to see her family and her river prosper. Like most of the halflings in her group she paid homage to the goddess of the river, Matravash, but unlike many others The Wide Water also spoke to her. Over time this connection would grow and she would become a druid of the river, but her first contact with the spirit of the river was to warn her of the coming war.

The Matra had been essential to trade in Vudra. Each Rajah controls the part of the river that traverses his domain. However, everyone wanted to claim the river trade for themselves. Backed by the Rajahs of their domains individual trading companies began sabotaging each other. Fighting would break out in tiny skirmishes until those who used the river for illicit trade got involved. Full on war between trading companies (that could be disavowed by the Rajahs) broke out.

The Prince of the River did his best to keep his own people together and protect his portion of the river. Unlike many of the other river traders he was a noble and this was his domain. Although his Rajah could not intervene, the prince knew it was his duty to keep his land – or water in this case – safe. Mahita would join in her father’s plans, along with her then lover Nikattah.

During the fighting of what would become known as the Undeclared War, the Prince of the River’s forces would most often clash with the river smugglers who sought to take advantage. Mahita and her partner hated these men for the dishonor they brought to the river. In a ruse to root out information about the smuggler leader’s plans the two girls would try and tempt the River Rats into divulging these secrets. Mahita, never the best people person, failed but had no qualms about trying. Nikattah was better at it, but not good enough to go undetected and sadly the River Rats killed her, leaving Mahita to mourn her lover’s loss.

The Undeclared War would end in less than a year. There were many casualties and bad blood left between those who had to continue to trade with each other. The River Rats suffered a terrible blow from the fury of Mahita and the forces of her father, the River Prince. The smugglers are now all but known in the prince’s territory for fear of deadly reprisal.

Even the great goddess Matravash saw the valor in her halflings and especially Mahita who had heeded her warning well. The Wide Water gifted Mahita with magics and a deeper connection to the waters her family had plied for generations. Even one of the creatures of the Matra, a river otter, presented itself to her as a companion. She named it Nik after her lost love.

With three older siblings, Mahita realizes that as much as she loves the river and her people, she will not be the next Prince of the River. So for now she has decided to take to traveling, to get to know the entire length of the waters of which Matravash has made her a steward. With Nik at her side and the knife given to her by her companion’s namesake, she heads off into the wider world.

How did you flesh out your halfling? What class did the she choose? How did your halflings get to Vudra? When did her family become nobles? What war did she witness?

Bringing these characters to life is a second full-time job. A pledge of as little as one dollar a month on Patreon or a one-time donation to my paypal can help keep the lights on while I concentrate on producing new content for you.

The CRB has been growing as a community on social media; please join us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter. My inbox is open on all forums for questions, comments, and discussion. If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to have the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle Subscriptions through Amazon.

Random Roll 87 - The Randomness

Halflings in Vudra, you don’t say. This character is interesting on so many levels not the least of which is that before adjustments both of the stats that halflings get a bonus in were the two lowest and the one that halflings get a negative in was the highest. So this really was not your stereotypical halfling right from the get go. The most fun part of the background is going to be figuring how her families are nobility if they are part of a travelling band or caravan. All in all some really good stuff for which you will just have to stay tuned to see me pull together.

Gender: Female

Race: Halfling

Nationality: Vudra

Age:  26

Height: 2’ 8”

Weight: 27lbs

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Str: 14

Dex: 11

Con:  15

Int: 11

Wis: 14

Cha: 10

Homeland: Traveling Band or Caravan

Parents: Both of your parents are alive.

Siblings: You have 5 biological siblings.

- biological older brother

- biological older sister

- biological older sister

- biological younger sister

- biological younger brother

Circumstance of Birth: [Noble Birth] You were born to privilege among the nobility. Unless one of your parents is the regent, your family serves a higher-ranked noble but lesser nobles serve your family in turn.

Parent's Profession: [Gentry] You are the child of a minor lord, lady, or noble with an income, hereditary land such as a manor, and titles. You likely grew up in a manor and your parents were paid tribute by peasants. Your parents serve a higher baron, count, or duke.

Major Childhood Event: [The War] You grew up against the backdrop of a major military conflict that affected much of your childhood world. You became accustomed to a short food supply, living in occupied territory, and moving from place to place. Several of the people you knew in your childhood were lost in the war, including members of your family.

Influential Associate: [The Lover] You had a romantic connection in your adolescent years, and this person deeply influenced your personality. Perhaps this was a first love, a casual partner you grew close to, or the one who got away. The experience bolstered your confidence in romantic interactions even though you often find your thoughts still straying toward that special someone from so long ago.

Conflict: [Seducer] You tempted or manipulated someone to act in accordance with your whim, careless of whether it was in their own best interests.

Conflict Subject: Gangster or underworld figure.

Conflict Motivation: Hatred or Malice.

Conflict Resolution: [No Guilt] Either guilt is for the weak, or you know you made the right decision. You might not openly brag about your part in the conflict, but you don’t deny it when confronted either.

Deity/Religious Philosophy:Matravash

Romantic Relationship(s): [A Few Significant Relationships] You’ve tried to make deep connections with individuals on several occasions, but it’s never worked out.

Drawback: [Attachment (Object)] You are attached to a precious possession with immense sentimental value and significance. Without it, you are no longer yourself and are prone to suffer from depression, moodiness, or aggressive behavior.

(Trait) Charming

(Trait) Friend in Every Town

(Trait) Influence

(Trait) Kin Guardian

(Trait) Rich Parents

(Trait) Vagabond Child

(Story Feat) Deny the Reaper

(Story Feat) True Love

(Drawback) Attached

In the comments give us your ideas for how to make this into a fully realized character? What class would this character take up? How is he a noble with lands if her family are part of a caravan? What are a group of halflings doing in Vudra? Which conflict has she witnessed? And don’t forget to stay tuned Friday when my background hits the CRB. 

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but makes you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to created please consider supporting your favorite content provider – that’s me right – by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon or making a direct donation to my Paypal.

If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to get the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle Subscriptions through Amazon. And to keep up with my other musings and thoughts you can follow the CRB on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Random Roll 54 - The Randomness

Sometimes rolls can be slightly contradictory of each other. In this case the character has been adopted yet he has two biological siblings, two half-Siblings and his parents are still alive. For this we have to take creative license. Are the sylph siblings truly the children of his birth parents or does he consider his adopted siblings to be true siblings? Are the parents that are still alive his birth parents or the ones that raised him? With a ton of leeway we can make this character take shape in many forms.

Because it went over well I have kept the harrow reading. I will work it into my character but if you don’t want to you do not need to. Let’s see who’s up to the challenge.

Gender: Male

Race: Sylph

Human Parents Ethnicity: Garundi

Nationality: Mwangi Expanse

Age: 20
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 145lbs

Alignment: Lawful Good

Str: 11

Dex: 16

Con:  15

Int: 9

Wis: 13

Cha: 12

Homeland: Town or Village

Parents: Both of your parents are alive.

Siblings: You have 2 biological siblings and 2 half-siblings.

- biological younger sister

- biological older sister

- older half-orc sister

- younger half-elf sister

Circumstance of Birth: [Adopted] You were not raised by your birth family, but taken in by another family within your race or culture.

Birth Parent's Profession: Tradespeople

Adopted Parent's Profession: Sailors

Major Childhood Event: [Ordinary Childhood] Your childhood was fairly ordinary, with no major blessing or catastrophe—a stark contrast to an adventuring life. You lived your life in anticipation of growing up so you could affect the dull backdrop upon which your mundane life was painted. Now that you've grown, it's easy to miss those tranquil days where nothing ever seemed to happen.

Influential Associate: [The Lover] You had a romantic connection in your adolescent years, and this person deeply influenced your personality. Perhaps this was a first love, a casual partner you grew close to, or the one who got away. The experience bolstered your confidence in romantic interactions even though you often find your thoughts still straying toward that special someone from so long ago.

Conflict: [Petty Crime] You committed a minor crime, like vandalism, trespassing, or mischief.

Conflict Subject: Leader.

Conflict Motivation: Family.

Conflict Resolution: [Regret and Penance] Not only do you regret your action, but you have publicly admitted to it and did your best to make amends for the wrongdoing. Most know of the conflict’s details and those who don’t can easily find them out if they know where to look or whom to ask.

Deity/Religious Philosophy: Winlas

Romantic Relationship(s): [Current Lover] You are currently involved in a romantic relationship.

Drawback: [Attachment (Object)] You are attached to a precious possession with immense sentimental value and significance. Without it, you are no longer yourself and are prone to suffer from depression, moodiness, or aggressive behavior.

(Trait) Artisan

(Trait) Charming

(Trait) Divine Warrior

(Trait) Kin Guardian

(Trait) Life of Toil

(Trait) Ordinary

(Trait) Worldly

(Story Feat) True Love

(Drawback) Attached

Harrow Reading

We read the cards in the cross pattern.  Card one being where the character came from, card two an important event in the characters life, card three represents a talent the character will have , and card four represents where the character is going. Surrounded by the signifier that represents the character.

Signifier Card: The Dance (lawful good, Dexterity) is a rich and delicate framework that, like the universe itself, requires everyone within it to abide by its rules, lest the entire construct collapse. It advises staying in perfect step, knowing your place in the greater good. Those who step out of the pattern do so at their peril.

Card One: The Empty Throne (lawful good, Charisma) has a sense of loss that is palpable. The ghost signifies that those who are gone will always be with us. They taught us important lessons, if only we choose to listen. This card can bring information from a far-off or ancient source.

Card Two: The Rakshasa (lawful evil, Intelligence) is the card of dominance and mind control. The creature sitting serenely upon the back of the slave indicates an exterior force imposing itself upon another being’s mind. On occasion, the slavery is literal, but more often it is mental enslavement to a force or idea.

Card Three: The Idiot (neutral evil, Intelligence) is a card of grave foolishness and greed. It can mean bribery, blackmail, or naivety so grand it can see no evil. The goblins have captured a foolhardy man, representing the knowledge that loss of dignity can precede loss of life.

Card Four: The Demon’s Lantern (chaotic evil, Dexterity) is the card of traps and tricks, sleight of hand and sleight of mind. These will-o’-wisps and the man who sought their light represent an impossible or intractable situation.

In the comments please tell us what character you would make with these disparate pieces information? What class would this Sylph naturally gravitate towards? Why was he given up for adoption? And don’t forget to stay tuned Friday when my background hits the CRB.

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but makes you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to created please consider supporting your favorite content provider (that’s me) by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon. If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to get the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle

Subscriptions through Amazon. And to keep up with my other musings and thoughts you can follow the CRB on Google+, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Character Exploration 49 - Jubo

This week’s randomly rolled character is probably my favorite race, halflings. We see a highly intelligent, although clumsy for a halfling, resident of the Kavaa Lands in the Mwangi Expanse. A follower of the DemonLord Zura who oversees cannibalism, blood, and vampires. The choice for what kind of halfling was easy. So much so that Wednesday’s article was very specifically on the cannibal halflings of the Kavaa Lands.

Choosing a class was a bit of a harder prospect. How to choose a class that embodies the savagery and the tribal nature of the halflings while still making the most of the high intelligence? After narrowing it down I eventually went with the alchemist, a class I have yet to use in these random rolls. I liked the idea of the beastmorph and the vivisectionist; a character that studied people and animals innards to best mimic those aspects when using their mutagens.

Jubo

Life in the jungles of the Kaava Lands was harsh, but the tribal halflings of the region liked it that way. It weeded out the weak and made the tribe stronger. Jubo was neither the strongest nor the weakest. He wasn’t the toughest or the most fragile. To other halflings he was a bit clumsy, but he maneuvered around as well as the humans and so he wasn’t always injuring himself. What Jubo was, was smart.

The middle child of five Jubo was often left to his own devices. The older siblings had their place in the tribe already and the younger ones still needed looking after. His family was nothing special, they mostly farmed and gathered the other necessities of life in the jungle. Jubo himself was a bit of a naturalist, he found the jungle and all its wonders fascinating—a trait he shared with his uncle Botan.

Botan was old, probably older than anyone who lived the savage life his people lived ought to be. He was considered something of a freak even among the other demon worshiping cannibal halflings. Where the tribe ate meat to sustain them, Botan had a sick need to take apart the creatures they killed. He studied the insides of other humanoids, animals, and anything else he could get his hands on. When no one was watching Jubo would join his uncle on trips to learn what made things tick.

Botan eventually died of old age. This broke Jubo deep inside. The young halfling began fearing for his own mortality. He prayed to the tribes patron, the Demon Lord Zura to become one of her vampiric minions, but that prayer went unanswered. He went to the tribe’s seer to find out about his own death, to which he was told that The Vampire Queen had already seen fit to give him the means to live longer.

It took weeks to figure out what this meant, and it wasn’t until Jubo went through the belongings of his uncle that he made the connection. Botan had always spoken of elixirs that enhance the body. His study of other creatures was a means to make these elixirs stronger and possibly stave off even death. Botan had kept some small amount of notes and from this Jubo began teaching himself.

Jubo’s explorations into the mutating agents through trial and error led to other discoveries. His burgeoning alchemical talent brought him more respect within his tribe, but also brought other rivals as well. One of these rivals was an aspiring medicine man and servitor of Zura. He claimed that Jubo was taking on his uncle’s insanity and that the Demon Lord looked unfavorably upon him. He urged the tribe to consider casting him out.

Jubo took these accusations with an uncommon amount of calm. He knew that Zura had great things in store for him, possibly even everlasting life. In the night Jubo used one of his mutating mixtures and snuck into his rival’s hut. He killed not only his accuser but his entire family. Mother, father, brothers, and sisters. In the morning the matter was settled, the more cunning had prevailed and Jubo feasted that night on the body of his enemy.

Jubo now spends his time trying to find his immortality. As time goes on this takes him further and further afield from his tribe. He knows that once he finds a way to live forever he will be the greatest asset his tribe has ever had. For now he is experimenting with further ways to make his mutating agents make him a better warrior.

A halfling that worships a cannibal god and is really smart, meet Jubo the alchemist. What would you have done with these stats? What class would you have picked? Who would his now-dead enemy or rival been? Why does he seek to stay young?

Where devouring your enemies is a no-no in the real world, you can always devour the content the CRB brings you. If the CRB has sated your hunger for gaming ideas, please consider becoming a contributor to my Patreon. If you’d like to see what else the CRB is up to, join me on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter. My inbox is open on all venues.

Hunger In The Jungle

We began a series on expanding the barely touched upon cultures of non-humans in Golarion in July and we continue that series with this month’s edition: the cannibal halflings of the Kaava Lands. The Desert Dwarves we looked at last month had a paragraph or two written about them which gave us a great place to start. The cannibal halflings are barely mentioned in a sentence on page 127 of the inner sea world guide. So we have practically nothing to go on, other than we know they’re man-eaters and we know they worship demons.

History

Kenin-Ha which translates from halfling as “hungry jungle people” is the traditional name of the halfling tribes who live in the Kaava Lands in the Mwangi Expanse. Although many outsiders view the cannibalistic Kenin-Ha as all one people there are actually a number of distinct tribes. Like the tribes of the human Mwangi people, the Kenin-Ha have lived in the Kaava Lands for as long as they can remember. Their oral history does not say how their people came to reside there or where they came from originally. Some of the tribes believe that this is the original land of the halflings and that all the other halflings are descended from tribes that moved out of the jungle over time.

The oral histories do say that at one point the Keenin-Ha were once slaves to a powerful empire; perhaps those who ruled from the many ancient ruins found within the jungles interior. The halflings seeking their freedom turned to any sources that would grant it to them. The Demon Lord Zura was the first to answer the call and offered the freedom in exchange for their devotion. Although not all of the usually peaceful halflings agreed, a great many tired of the yoke of slavery did.

The freedom of the halflings was bloody. In exchange for her aid the ones that would become the Keenin-Ha had to prove their loyalty be eating the flesh and drinking the blood of those who would not receive her gift. After slaughtering hundreds of their own people the now cannibalistic halflings fought of their oppressors, killing and devouring them as well, before escaping into the jungle. Although Zura was the first Demon Lord to offer the halflings power she was not the last.

Over the coming centuries disagreements amongst the halflings split them into many differing tribes. Although they all remain cannibals they did not all retain worship of Zura. Angazhan, Cyth-V'sug, and Urxehl have all become patrons to some of the tribes in the Kaava lands. The worshipers of Angazhan have nominally allied themselves with the Gorilla King of Usaro. The Cyth-V'sug devotees are the most recent group to have strayed from Zura as they were outcast after contracting a wasting disease. Urxehl’s followers are probably even more brutal than Zora’s followers and of the tribes they are the most likely to attack the other halfling tribes with little to no cause.

Physiology

Keenin-Ha haflings differ very little from their other halfling kin in terms of body structure. Their most distinctive feature is not actually a natural occurrence. All Keenin-Ha have their teeth sharpened to fine points. Although it doesn’t make their bite any stronger than civilized halflings it does allow them to tear at the meat that is a part of their diet better.

One of the few differences is smell. Because of the Keenin-Ha are almost exclusively meat eaters their breath always has a strong smell of rotting flesh. Races with a keen olfactory sense are known to be the best trackers of the small cannibals because they can smell them coming from a great distance off. The halflings themselves have gotten so used their own stench that they never notice it.

Family

Like the more well-known halflings of Avistan and Katapesh, the Keenin-Ha see family as one of the most important things in their lives. Family is second only to worship of the tribes Demon Lord. The cannibal halflings are incredibly protective of their immediate family and of their tribe as a whole. Although many of the tribes fight among themselves to show who is strongest and should lead, they will all band together regardless when threatened by outsiders.

The Kaava Lands halflings do not keep to what one would consider traditional gender roles. The strongest leads the tribe, the strongest leads the family. A family unit is usually made up of a three and sometimes four generations of the same line. The one who can prove they are strongest can wrest power from the current family leader.

Society

A tribe can be made up as few as three or four families to as many as ten to fifteen. Tribal leaders are usually those granted favor by the Demon Lord that the tribe worships. Whether this is in the form of oracular ability, the brute force of the battle priests, or on even on rare occasion one is given the power of the antipaladin, it doesn’t matter. The Keenin-Ha see divine gifts as sign that the recipient holds favor enough to lead.

The cannibal halflings must constantly raid for their preferred form of sustenance, flesh of sentient creatures. Because of this the Keenin-Ha constantly test themselves for battle. Only the strongest among them can lead them to victory and so there are constant tests of power to see who will be a war leader among the tribe.

The destructive nature of their patrons sows in how the Keenin-Ha tribes acquire goods. Although they have some simple craftsmen such as bowyers and fletchers as well as those who can create wooden weapons, they do not aspire to any advanced methods of crafting. Anything the halflings have they get through raids and slaughter. Metal weapons taken from the outsiders who seek to travel through the jungle for trade are often prized possessions.

One thing that is common among every halfling cultures is idea that a young halfling must perform some noteworthy task before being an adult. For the Keenin-Ha this task is usually the youngster’s first kill. Like the more civilized halflings, their cannibal cousins also hold onto a sacred keepsake. Whereas beads, buttons, dice, and earrings are common among common halflings, for the Keenin-Ha these keepsakes are usually bone fragments, weapons of the enemy, or scraps of preserved flesh. In some cases the demon worshipers have been known to keep an organ from their first kill worn as a trinket.

Alignment and Faith

The brutal tribal life that the Keenin-Ha live as well as their penchant for devouring the flesh of sometimes still-living humanoids puts them whole in the category of evil creatures. Most commonly the cannibal halflings are Chaotic Evil, but Neutral Evil and Chaotic Neutral are not unheard of.

The Keenin-Ha are devout followers of their chosen Demon Lords. Whereas most followers of creatures of the abyss do so out of fear of something, the Keenin-Ha see the Demon Lords as saviors from their life of slavery. Angazhan, Cyth-V'sug, Urxehl, and Zura are worshiped among the largest number of tribes but a handful of small tribes worship other lords of the Abyss.

Relations

Unlike more civilized halflings who find it easy to ingratiate themselves with other races, the Keenin-Ha are almost universally despised by others. The human tribes of the Mwangi expanse give the cannibal halflings a wide berth, seeing them as an annoyance. The human colonists fear the demon worshipers who will attack trading parties whenever they get the chance.

The Keenin-Ha have few allies and it is more of a tribe-by-tribe basis. Some of the Demon Lords the tribes follow make certain interactions easier. Those that follow Angazhan see favor from the Gorilla King, while those who follow Urxehl have found allies among the jungle trolls. These alliances ebb and flow as resources dwindle or become abundant.

Adventurers

The Keenin-Ha rarely leave their jungle homes, but when they do it is usually to further some plot of their patron Demon Lord or perform some deed for their tribe. The most common class among all the tribes is Barbarian. Nature-based classes are common with Druid, Ranger, Hunters, and Shaman being plentiful. Medicine men, shamans, and witch doctors of the tribes can be Clerics, Oracles, Witches, and even Sorcerers.

What kind of cultures for other races would you like to see? Would you use these cannibal halflings in your Golarion campaign? Would you adapt them to your homebrew world? What other information would you like to know about the Keenin-Ha?

If you are devouring the lore the CRB brings you just like the Keenin-ha devour, well, you know, consider becoming a contributor on the CRB’s Patreon. If you’d like to join the growing community of the CRB, I’m currently traversing the sands of social media; Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Twitter all have a CRB presence. Come see what else is going on.

Random Roll 49 - The Randomness

A halfling from the Kaava lands, a region of thick jungle technically in the Mwangi Expanse. Strong, Durable, quick of mind and wit and decently charismatic. Wholly evil and a worshiper of the Demon Lord Zura. Not as odd as last week’s randomroll but still a lot to work with.

Gender: Male

Race: Halfling
Nationality: Kaava Lands

Age: 33
Height: 3’ 0”
Weight: 34lbs

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Str: 13

Dex: 11

Con:  12

Int: 16

Wis: 13

Cha: 12

Homeland: Halfling Settlement

Parents: Both of your parents are alive.

Siblings: You have 4 biological siblings.

- biological older sister

- biological younger brother

- biological younger brother

- biological older brother

Circumstance of Birth: [Lower-Class Birth] You were born among peasants or slum denizens. You grew up working the land around a village or manor, practicing a rudimentary trade, or begging in a settlement.

Parent's Profession: Serfs/Peasants

Major Childhood Event: [Death in the Family] You were profoundly affected by the death of the relative closest to you—a parent, grandparent, favorite sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin. This death affected you profoundly, and you've never been able to let go of it.

Influential Associate: [[The Fool] One of your close associates was a clown who mocked propriety and custom, instead engaging in wild and somewhat random actions from time to time. After a while, you learned that there was simple wisdom to this foolery—a careless worldview that taught you how to cast off concern.

Conflict: [Mass Murder] You killed several sentient beings.

Conflict Subject: Enemy or rival

Conflict Motivation: Religion

Conflict Resolution: [Denial] You feel little if any regret, and deny the event mostly so others won’t judge you. Few if any know of your part in the conflict, and your constant denials are meant to keep it that way.

Deity/Religious Philosophy: Zura

       

Romantic Relationship(s): [Several Significant Relationships] You’ve engaged in a number of partnerships, but for some reason or another your relationships always fail.
Drawback: [Youth] You reflect upon your youth as a golden time, one ever present in your mind and that refuses to fade into the background. Every day, you feel yourself growing older and closer to your inevitable end. You seek ways to make yourself look and feel young in attempt to rekindle that fire of your adolescence, but despite your attempts, you realize that your time still draws ever nearer.

(Trait) Civilized

(Trait) Kin Guardian

(Trait) Magic Is Life

(Trait) Poverty-Stricken

(Trait) Reactionary

(Trait) Unpredictable

(Trait) Well-Informed

(Story Feat) Deny the Reaper

(Drawback) Vain

In the comments please tell us what character you would make with these disparate pieces information? What class would this Hafling out of time naturally gravitate towards? Who is this worshiper Zura, The Vampire Wueen? And don’t forget to stay tuned Friday when my background hits the CRB.

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but makes you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to created please consider supporting your favorite content provider (that’s me) by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon. If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to get the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle Subscriptions through Amazon. And to keep up with my other musings and thoughts you can follow the CRB on Google+, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Character Exploration 42 - Najila Dunestrider

I like the idea that planar-blooded creatures are not just from human stock. This premise was brought up in Pathfinder for aasimar and teiflings but I also apply it to the elemental planar-blooded creatures. We saw this first with my orc oread and most recently with my elf undine. This week I work with my third oread character, one of halfling stock. A twin with great strength and dexterity as well as decent amount of will. From the sandy lands of Qadira, a satrapy of the Kelesh Empire. The question I answer today from the random stats and background information is “who is this character”?

Quick moving but strong with a trickster god for a patron, I decided to go with brawler as a class. Sometimes when all the jokes go wrong, she needs to fight her way out of a situation. I also like to think that the brawler’s martial flexibility represents her ability to read people and adapt to situations as needed. With that in mind I see Snake Style’s use of Sense Motive as a means to make attacks hit harder and to riposte against missed attack as something this character might take.

Najila Dunestrider

In the Keleshish Empire halflings are considered incredibly lucky. To this end many halflings travel with caravans so that their luck might rub off on the trade expedition. Many enterprising halflings have not only taken up jobs as luck bringers in caravans, but have laid claim to some of the many oases across the empire to create their own caravan stops. These stops, in many cases, have sprung into full-fledged halfling settlements, one of which is where Najila and her twin brother Nen was born.

The Dunestrider family had lived at the Abassia Oasis settlement for many generations. Both of Najila’s parents were excellent potters whose work was sought out by many along the trade route. Beyond their dedication to their craft, the Dunestrider clan also had a penchant for shrewd investment. Although not rich by any means, growing up Najilia wanted for very little.

Najila and her brother were as opposite as could be, but they were also inseparable. Like many twins they seemed to almost know each other’s thoughts. Before they could fully speak halfling, they had a language all their own which they used to communicate. This secret tongue meant the two siblings often kept things hidden from others, as they would only confide in each other.

Although not identical Nijila and Nen were similar in appearance, enough so that only their parents could tell them apart. When they hit puberty, however, their true differences began to manifest. Najila stopped growing altogether and was shorter than most other halflings, although her body proportions stayed the same she felt heavier than most. Her brown hair became the color of sand and her skin took on an almost grainy texture. Like many in the Kelesh Empire the blood of a genie, in this case a Shaitan, flowed through her veins.

Her brother, who had always been her opposite, also showed signs of genie blood. He manifested the earth’s opposite with the watery traits of a Marid. Even though their differences became more pronounced, the two could never be separated, they lived for each other and always would. And like sand and water the pair was always mud in someone’s eye.

Into their formative years, the two halfling twins lacked the hard-working trait for which generations of their family had been renowned. Najila and Nen were more interested in having fun than working hard. The two were constant practical jokers who were the only ones in on their little pranks. Although not overly bound to religious matters themselves, many claimed they were children of the Empyreal Lord Picoperi.

Their jokes never really went too far, at least not in their own eyes. When a haughty sorcerer came through town hawking his wares and flashing his power, the two jokers knew just what to do. A bit of acting on Nen’s part and a little white lie sent all the sorcerer’s snake oil into the oasis pool with no money to show for it. Suffice it to say, the finger wiggler wasn’t at all happy about it.

Where Nen was a master of words and could talk a camel out of a drink of water, Najila was a master of fists. Their jokes would occasionally get them into trouble with a capital “T” and when Nen couldn’t talk their way out of it Najila would make sure no harm came to either of them. One of her best traits as a fighter wasn’t how hard she hit but how well she read people. She could usually see a strike coming from a mile away just by reading her opponent.

The only thing the pair had in common was a certain sense of pride. They each thought they were the best there was at what they did. The problem became that they also felt they were too big for the small town. When a younger sister was born, the two decided it was time to strike out into the larger world. Sad to see them go, their parents revealed to them their “Grams” had left them an investment. When they cashed out, the twins had more than enough money to get them to any city on Golarion.

With money burning a hole in their pockets and the need for adventure burning a hole in their soul, Najila and Nen set out on the next caravan into the larger world. What Golarion holds for them only Picoperi knows, and he ain’t telling because that’s the big joke.

And there you have my little halfling oread, but is this what you would have made? Does brawler fit your thinking or is another class better? Would Picoperi be more prominent in your character’s life or is acceptance of the Empyreal Lord as a patron with minor prayers enough? What would you have done different?

Tricksters are needed because they teach us much about the world through their jokes. The CRB tries to expand our knowledge of the gaming world by examining it much the same. If the CRB has helped you expand your gaming repertoire, please consider donating to my Patreon. The CRB is also becoming a large community on social media; come join us on G+, Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter. My inbox is always open on all accounts.

Random Roll 42 - The Randomness

Like Aasimar, Tieflings, and all the other elemental planar kin, Oread can be of races other than human. This week our stony friend is of halfling stock. Hailing from the land of Qadira this daughter of artisans and a twin is strong, quick and wise although not altogether bright. Blessed with an inheritance and dedicated to Picoperi the Empyreal Lord of jokes we need to ask ourselves who is this earth elemental kin?

Gender: Female

Race: Oread (Halfling)
Nationality:  Qadira

Age: 30
Height: 2’ 5”
Weight: 34lbs

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Str: 14

Dex: 15

Con: 11

Int: 8

Wis: 18

Cha: 10

Homeland: Halfling Settlement

Parents: Both of your parents are alive.

Siblings: You have 2 biological siblings.

- biological younger sister

- biological twin brother

Circumstance of Birth: [Middle-Class Birth] You were born to the middle class, which includes merchants, artisans, and tradespeople. You likely grew up in a good-sized settlement, and one of your parents is likely associated with a guild or other trade organization. As a free person, you don't experience the bondage of serfdom or peasantry, but you also lack the privilege of the nobility.

Parent's Profession: Artisans

Major Childhood Event: [Inheritance] A great sum of wealth or property was bequeathed to you at an early age, providing you with extraordinary means. Daily costs of living have ceased to concern you, and you've learned that there is little that money cannot buy.

Influential Associate: [The Confidante] There was a person in your life to whom you could tell anything. She knows your deepest secrets and your emotional weaknesses and vulnerabilities just as you know hers. This person could be a valuable friend and a frightening enemy, so you make sure to never divulge her secrets or give her a reason to do so with yours.

Conflict: [Told a Lie] You deliberately made someone believe something that was not true to further your own goals.

Conflict Subject: Spellcaster.

Conflict Motivation: Pleasure.

Conflict Resolution: [You Enjoyed It] Those who cling to petty morals have no understanding of what true freedom and power is. The fact is, you enjoyed your part in the conflict and would do it all over again if the opportunity presented itself. Many people know of your misdeed, and they also realize your complete lack of remorse.

Deity/Religious Philosophy: Picoperi

               

Romantic Relationship(s): [Several Significant Relationships] You’ve engaged in a number of partnerships, but for some reason or another your relationships always fail.

Drawback: [Pride] You present an image to the world that can’t be tarnished. When someone questions your motives, criticizes your actions, or insults your honor or pride, you question his friendship or count him among your enemies until he makes amends.

(Trait) Artisan

(Trait) Civilized

(Trait) Ease of Faith

(Trait) Kin Guardian

(Trait) Merchant

(Trait) Poverty-Stricken

(Trait) Rich Parents

(Trait) Trustworthy

(Trait) Well-Informed

(Drawback) Pride

In the comments please tell us what character you would make with these disparate pieces information? What class would she naturally gravitate towards? Who is this hafling oread and what her inheritance? And don’t forget to stay tuned Friday when my background hits the CRB.

The CRB not only brings you the creative content you desire but makes you look inside for your own creativity. If you feel both inspired and pushed to created please consider supporting your favorite content provider (that’s me) by pledging as little as $1 on my Patreon. If you don’t want to miss a beat make sure you sign up to get the CRB pushed directly to your e-reading device with Kindle Subscriptions through Amazon. And to keep up with my other musings and thoughts you can follow the CRB on Google+, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.