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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Feb 2018 : 18:43:50
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I'm probably going to break the Katashaka stuff off of this thread soon. I still want it all synchronized, but I almost have enough for a setting-base written out, and its WAY too much information to stick here. It may even be too much for CK - I'll be starting a page over on the Piazza, eventually. Unfortunately, the project may have outgrown me, which is another reason I should move it over there. What started out as a simple conversion has turned into a monumental, full-blown setting (I have over 100 monsters already). Its a CONTINENT, for Odin's Sake! What was I thinking?
EDIT:
I got the REAL Anchoromé mapped today. I'm pretty happy with it, but I have to go back in and make a few adjustment - the mountains on the main island (Eskember) are supposed to ride the coast, not be in the center. Otherwise, though, I think it look pretty snappy, and they fit Ed's lore perfectly. It also makes a great 'stepping stone' location for folks traveling to Maztica (lets just ignore the fact that Cordell missed the islands completely... despite the fact they were fairly well known...)  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 13 Feb 2018 05:05:55 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2018 : 05:28:23
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Okay, I just realized that lower Katshaka - despite what it shows on the FRIA maps - can NOT be cold. When I did my FR Timeszones map I built that using a RW Earth map, since the two planets are very close in size (Toril is ever so slightly smaller). Thus, even though Toril doesn't even have the concept of 'timezones', or lattitude and longitude, they would still apply in precisely the same manner. By taking the width of the planet (which we do have with thos maps), I can extrapolate the height (it should be roughly the same - it IS a globe, after all). Most world maps (real and fantasy) cut off a LOT top and bottom, because it just useless empty space. The same goes for the FR maps (and you really can't argue that point - its not 'homebrew' - the planet HAS TO BE as tall as it is wide, so in other words, the height of a world map has to be exactly one half the length). And since I had both a canon equator and one canon latitude, I was able to accurately extrapolate all the rest of the data as well.
All that being said, I still have my original files from when I made that map, and I have an earth map superimposed on it in another layer. The bottom of Katashaka falls-out quite a bit higher than the tip of South America. The very tip of Chile (small islands) sits at about 55º, whereas Katashaka's southernmost tip sits at about 47º, and Chile is still pretty far away from the Arctic circle. Thus, its not icy there (which also means Eberron is a small planet, which is what threw me off, since I was copying Xendrik). It also means the other larger island - the one I've named Maugolkroth (I'm not as 'in love' with that name as when I first thought of it) - is also not cold. Latitudinally, that places it just below south Africa, so nice and warm (we also have a similar axial tilt).
I still get frost giants though - they live high in the Mountains, and Katashaka has some insanely high mountains. It does look like I am going to loose my white-furred gnolls and my 'Ice-mazons'. Ah, well. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 15 Feb 2018 05:29:51 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Feb 2018 : 06:38:51
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Looking for art earlier in the other thread, I cam across THIS GUY and his body of work. There is quite a bit of insanely good stuff there we can draw inspiration from. Apparently he does LOTS of work for game companies, and has even done concept-art for Star Wars. I found a lot of Africanesque stuff that he did for Paizo/Pathfinder, so now I have to go look through what they've doe the past few years. I was following them closely, until I heard 5e was coming out (and FR was going back to how it was). So anything that's happened since then - including anything they've done with their own psuedo-Africa (Mwangi Expanse... 'Mwangi' is just so much fun to say!  ) I am out-of-the-loop.
Also, he's down some WotC work, including stuff for MtG, like the Baloth, so we can probably use it (not the art, the creature, but at least there is art 'out there' to reference what we are talking about). He also did quite a few pieces for the 4e Dark Sun Creature Catalog, and some of those Dark Sun critters are perfect for a 'Savage Land'. Going through that book now... |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 16 Feb 2018 06:39:36 |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2018 : 19:47:36
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Sorry to keep the KAtashaka thing going, but with the recent success of Black Panther, I can't keep quiet. Have you guys thought about including a Wakanda-like nation in Katashaka?
It could be...
1. Hidden from the world and peaceful, but not without its own internal struggles (the various tribes).
2. Extremely high in magic, rather than technology - but fully aware of its possible delitirious affect on the world should it get out.
3. Has an abundance of a material like vibranium - but possibly replaced with mithril or another already known metal.
That's all I could think about while I was watching the movie lol.
Now to catch up on about 50 posts! Man you guys have been busy lol. |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2018 : 21:52:27
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Haven't seen Black Panther. I don't really care to, but my two younger sons want to go so I may see it (and by younger, I mean 20 & 16). I never liked the character in comics (I never liked any character who had no power other than beating people up, INCLUDING Batman, DD, etc), so I really have no interest in that guy. In fact, most of the participants in the last avengers movie were my least favorite characters - guys who are either melee specialists, or guys who get their powers from 'super suits'.
Anyhow, I am STILL steering clear of humans in Katashaka. I feel I am being forced to sprinkle a few around the perimeter (coastal areas), but they are late-comers, within the past 1000 years. Some may have wandered down from Lopango, while I may have others come over from Tabaxiland (which I STILL need another name for - Nagaskar? That might sound too much like 'naga'). I haven't fleshed-out that part of the history, since the human element was the least of my concerns, and since the project veered off course from my original intent of a straight Xendrik conversion, I am finding I have less and less time to 'do it right'.
Nice work - I like it. Where the 'Sand Elders' from? I recognize the artwork on the cover, and I had considered using them myself.
You are using 'Kozan' for your Kosan, while I am going with 'Kagon', but that's easy enough to rectify later on. The 'new' empire of Kosan is a survivor-state of Kagon; and Kagon was really just more of a 'racial' name, for the group of Bauchani that started following the Elder god (Obyrith) Kagon (really Dagon). Thus (just as happened in a lot of RW history), when the Kagon arrived on the shores of Lopango, the natives mispronounced it as 'Kozan', which stuck. Just to avoid further confusion, I might make the splinter-group (which eventually turned into an empire and thus, the main group) hav a leader with a 'K' at the beginning of his name, like Kagroth, so I can still use 'Dagon' as is. The followers of Kagroth discover an ancient (Batrachi) temple to Dagon, and they start calling themselves 'The Kagon' after their leader and their new 'god'. Then they call their empire Kagon, which changes to Kozan in Lopango.
In the interim, I have to mull-over what I want to do with the humans and Tabaxiland, since a lot has changed. I still want to keep some Rakshasa ruins ('The Lords of Dust'), and maybe say it has been a 'mostly human' land for thousands of years (20K+?). When the Coatls lead the Tabaxi (tribe) of people north, they unknowingly included some of the Tabaxi catfolk. They were small in number, because like lycanthropes elsewhere, they were shunned and hunted, so they had to hide their nature from humans. So a few went with the coatls, and thats why we have some in Faerûn. But most stayed behind, because with a majority of the humans leaving (all of the major tribes), they saw an opportunity. They began to spread, breeding and interbreeding like crazy, until they have become the dominant group on Tabaxiland. This eventually lead to the exodus of the remainder of the 'true blooded' humans to Katashaka, a land they have previously feared and had taboos against. Humans are considered 'second class citizens' on Tabaxiland, and their really aren't any left, regardless. They have something akin to the pureblood Yuan-ti - mostly human slaves with some catfolk blood (Purrtenders?  )
The one group that would have been around since the Rakshasa would be the Antaré (Entare in Nyambe), which is just an 'Africanesque' Wemic. They would have dominated the southern plains (I am swapping the terrain types with the forest to the north) and be at constant war with human tribes back before the diaspora, but since the Catfolk have gained dominance over the north, the two groups have lived in relative peace.
Hmmmm... that should fix everything. Didn't mean to put that much thought into it just now. LOL |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Feb 2018 01:35:49 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2018 : 22:11:15
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Kagon were lead by Sorcerers, and males and females were considered 'equals' (a rather progressive attitude for psuedo-Orcs). The specialized in demonology (naturally), and powerful ones would merge themselves with a fiend and turn into a new creature. The females (Witches) would become Adze - a type of vampire that can become a firefly (from African legend). The males (Warlocks) could become Obayifo, which is almost like a cross between a vampire and a ghost(Suel)-Lich. they become balls of light (very similar to a Will-O-Wisp), and they can enter people while they are sleeping. In this form they then can suck people's blood like a vampire, but it is difficult for them to maintain the ruse because light shines-out of all of the person's orifices (ALL of their orifices). That's also from African folklore - I just adapted the two type of vampire to my Kagon. They also have other abilities (the Adze more witch-like, and the Obayifo more lich-like).
The Kagon were very much into 'melding' with demons and others, which is one of the reasons why they were so feared - it was more of a 'supernatural horror' with them. Tanarukks were another favorite of theirs - those were bred to be the Imperial Guard, and the greatest of them became the Emperor's personal bodyguard. Some were as large as 15' tall, and could tear a Hill giant apart. Their Rhinorc cavalry was also especially feared (a Rhino-Orc centaur, with a single horn on its forehead). It is believed - with much hope - that most of these crossbreed monstrosities no longer exist.
EDIT:
I am currently watching the anime Claymore, which may be influencing some of my demon-focus now. Its good - more of a 'Shades of Grey' setting, which I prefer. You're not quite sure who you are supposed to be rooting for.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Feb 2018 01:37:42 |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2018 : 22:51:02
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With Kozan, I think you meant Kolan? That is a northern "nation" far north of Katashaka with a pretty extensive history canonically from 2e. I love the Kagon idea though. The Kolan Colossus is based off of the Olmec Heads (having trouble making links right now, but quick Google search will show them).
Re: The Sand Elder.
I have to admit, I only made this creature because of the artwork lol. I felt I just had to use it and the artist gave full on permission to do so! To be perfectly honest, that's how I get the vast majority of my inspiration. I leisurely wander through DeviantArt and ideas pop up. The Sand Elder is going to lead to future adventures or books for me - I have them as an aloof, dying race of giants/elementals (only a dozen or so left) that behave in many ways like Fangorn in LotR. They are originally transplants from another plane. |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2018 : 00:37:44
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Ah, gotcha. What did you call your orc-invaders then? Those 'heads' got me mixed up.
Okay, looking through YOUR Lopango sourcebook - your were just calling them 'the orcs'. Thats fine. Drop the whole Kolan/Kosan/Kagon thing then (except for where Dagon is involved, and the history - I just mean the phoenetic connections).
I WILL be getting back to this all. Hopefully soon.
EDIT:
I just did research on Wakanda, and I 'may' use some of that... maybe. I like the idea of a country that is covertly far more powerful (and has 'secret resource') than outsiders believe. I had envisioned something similar with Maztica... before 4e came along and blew everything up. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Feb 2018 00:38:15 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2018 : 00:52:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
Sorry to keep the KAtashaka thing going, but with the recent success of Black Panther, I can't keep quiet. Have you guys thought about including a Wakanda-like nation in Katashaka?
It could be...
1. Hidden from the world and peaceful, but not without its own internal struggles (the various tribes).
2. Extremely high in magic, rather than technology - but fully aware of its possible delitirious affect on the world should it get out.
3. Has an abundance of a material like vibranium - but possibly replaced with mithril or another already known metal.
That's all I could think about while I was watching the movie lol.
Now to catch up on about 50 posts! Man you guys have been busy lol.
I may go watch it this weekend. In my Katashaka, the human influence will not be around as much, though I'm strongly considering that island off its east coast being fully human. That being said though, the idea of a hidden city is something I've been exploring. I'd originally been planning for this city called Latoombe, city of Tricksters, that would be full of devil worshipping Rakshasas, weretigers, wereleopards, werepanthers, Paka, and some lesser versions of Ghirrash without the ties to the plane of shadow that I'm calling Pumaji and Kamadji (or humanoid-like versions of displacer beasts/kamadans). Originally, I was just going to have this city out in the open, but more and more, I've been thinking it would make a great "hidden city" where backroom deals and powerful magic is at play. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2018 : 00:59:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
On another note, making some slow progress on the next monster book. I haven't had the same kind of time lately, but I figured I'd share the WIP. The table of contents is obviously out of whack and there are monsters still incomplete or lacking art.
TWC7 True World Bestiary III - Monsters I-Z 2-22-18 DRAFT
Do me a favor, also do up two basic creatures. One is like a tressym, but its a mini-griffin, but instead of eagle and lion, make it parrot and panther (but a blue furred panther). The other the same thing, but a cockatoo and a white tiger. Not sure of a good maztican name for them.
Oh, and I like the plumed behemoth template as an idea. Its a good idea to make it a template rather than making brand new creatures for each or just saying "just use this creature". I really like the story of the Battle of Hundred Wings. The Quetzaldaun too. That's what I want to see, the gods defending the people who transferred to Abeir in some form from the oppressive tyrants of Abeir. Far Payit makes a great place for this idea of them existing.
Itzapaplotl is also a very interesting individual, even moreso that she wasn't affected by the sun on Abeir. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 23 Feb 2018 01:23:28 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2018 : 01:49:55
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I think our vision of 'Tabaxiland' (still just a placeholder name) is starting to blend together, which is good. I don't want it to be overtly 'catfolk'. I think what I have in mind there is going to be along the lines of what I had in mind for Petan, when I was doing K-T stuff. The catfolk rule 'in secret', but its really not that well-kept secret, maybe sort of how the Yuan-ti are in Hlondeth. When dealing with outsiders, they try to put-on their 'most human face' (different then my Petan, where it is a VERY well-kept secret, because they fear shou-intervention from the north).
So a 'hidden city' or rulers sounds good. They have their agents in all the settlements, making sure things are being done 'their way' - that sort of thing. They wuld be the ones who have enforced the peace with the wemics.
Adnakaw Island - not even sure what to do with this yet; its just a wisp of an idea, using Wakanda as a starting point. I am think 'space mithril', or some such (like how Capt. America's original shield is made from 'space adamantium'). Except talk of Faerzress in another thread has me thinking about radiation, and its mutagenic effects. Hmmmm....
Anyhow, a 'tearfall' thousands of years ago that somehow empowers their culture (like how drow and Netherese had psuedo-mgical devices - like that). I have to think on this more. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Feb 2018 02:08:52 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2018 : 19:02:09
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Well, the idea is I plan on keeping it, for no other reason than thats what outsiders who discovered it would call it. It would have its own name to the folk who live there as well; perhaps something that means the same thing, but in their langage, like Tabaxcar ("Land of the Tabaxi").
Which just made me think of and decide something - 'Tabax' is the local name for Baast. But this would be a duel-natured aspect of her, one as the civilized lover of hedonism, and the other as the 'feral hunter' (her 'Kiga' aspect).
Now, the only problem is, getting that to work within the confines of what I wrote above. I may have to make their society somewhat more complex than I first envisioned (which is fine - a nice dollop of reality there). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 00:55:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Kagon were lead by Sorcerers, and males and females were considered 'equals' (a rather progressive attitude for psuedo-Orcs). The specialized in demonology (naturally), and powerful ones would merge themselves with a fiend and turn into a new creature. The females (Witches) would become Adze - a type of vampire that can become a firefly (from African legend). The males (Warlocks) could become Obayifo, which is almost like a cross between a vampire and a ghost(Suel)-Lich. they become balls of light (very similar to a Will-O-Wisp), and they can enter people while they are sleeping. In this form they then can suck people's blood like a vampire, but it is difficult for them to maintain the ruse because light shines-out of all of the person's orifices (ALL of their orifices). That's also from African folklore - I just adapted the two type of vampire to my Kagon. They also have other abilities (the Adze more witch-like, and the Obayifo more lich-like).
The Kagon were very much into 'melding' with demons and others, which is one of the reasons why they were so feared - it was more of a 'supernatural horror' with them. Tanarukks were another favorite of theirs - those were bred to be the Imperial Guard, and the greatest of them became the Emperor's personal bodyguard. Some were as large as 15' tall, and could tear a Hill giant apart. Their Rhinorc cavalry was also especially feared (a Rhino-Orc centaur, with a single horn on its forehead). It is believed - with much hope - that most of these crossbreed monstrosities no longer exist.
EDIT:
I am currently watching the anime Claymore, which may be influencing some of my demon-focus now. Its good - more of a 'Shades of Grey' setting, which I prefer. You're not quite sure who you are supposed to be rooting for.
Get rid of the Rhinorc... there's already a canon Rhinaur that's a large (maybe even huge) tauric Rhino humanoid. They were in one of the novels (Star of Cursrah). |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 02:06:01
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| My version of the place you're calling tabaxiland (that island off the east coast) will not be tabaxi. I'm thinking they make a good place for the Thinguth tribe. The Tabaxi are better on the mainland for me, as my catfolk are all on mainland Katashaka, and I plan on having the tabaxi humans changing INTO catfolk known as Tabaxi after many of the human Tabaxi leave for Chult. However, I was also planning to have some Mulans on said island as well, appearing through a portal just following the fall of the Imaskari society. My initial thoughts were this was an offshoot of the Mulhorandi pantheon containing some Egyptian gods (Bast in the more militant form of Sekhmet and her son, Mihos, who is also a child of Ptah ... and also including the huntress, Pakhet, and Hathor, Thoth, and Ptah). The talk of Wakanda though makes me think... they appear via portal.. maybe they appear in a technologically advanced Imaskari society that they overthrow but then take over. These Mulans may then live in relative safety and grow in power in an area of the island that the Thinguth tribe was always superstitious about and stayed away from. Thus, the two colonies may have not even been involved with each other for a LONG time (after all, we're talking about an "island" that's about the size of Halruaa, Dambrath and Luiren combined... or bigger than the whole Chultan peninsula). So, two cultures, one very Egyptian looking, the other black-skinned tribal society focused on spirits. Then I'm thinking into these two societies bring in the Metahel, living on smaller islands surrounding this "small continent"/island and raiding the Thinguth AND the Mulans for slaves, food, and treasure. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 03:25:05
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I actually have a portal somewhere below those islands on the left (west) side of Katshaka that the Mulhoranndi used, from my one CKC article. It leads to the Gbor Nor (Brightstar lake), near the island of Bhaluin.
I have it where Mulhorand briefly tried to settle the place (maybe for a century), until 'pressing matters at home' made them give up their colonization efforts. Thus there are some pyramids and stuff over by the desert. I only did that (back then) because I needed a few Sea-Gates to explain the cultures, because the 'accepted' source for Katashaka back then was Nyambe, and Nyambe had a 'near east' culture like that they called 'The water People', as well as another near-eastern one that was very much Zakharan (and a 'far east' one as well - Kara-Tur), thus on that coast (by the desert) and on those two islands I have the same setup as Nyambe did. I may, at this point, give the shou another island 'base' to the left of Katashaka, because that would actually make more sense (even though they are using Gates, you'd still think they would want a direct sea-route as well). I have to think about it, though. I don't want them to have a dominating presence in the region (but definitely a strong one).
Are Rhinaur written up anywhere, other than in the novel?
And what kind of navy are we talking for the Tabaxi? Catamarans?
Seriously, though, the few catfolk Tabaxi that went north to Chult must have been pretty brave - the whole reason the island works for me is because most cats would be afraid to sail. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 24 Feb 2018 03:42:43 |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 16:22:24
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Do me a favor, also do up two basic creatures. One is like a tressym, but its a mini-griffin, but instead of eagle and lion, make it parrot and panther (but a blue furred panther). The other the same thing, but a cockatoo and a white tiger. Not sure of a good maztican name for them.
Those sound really cool. I'd love to write them up. Just some questions before I do...
1) Should I make them subspecies of each other, leaving room for additional ones in the future?
2) Should they be Katashaka specific - or are they all about the True World?
3) Do you want them to be low powered enough that they are appropriate for familiars?
Personally, I would suggest keeping it Katashaka only, giving yours and Markustay's work something addtional that makes it unique. In that case, I'll write it up, but it could be part of the eventual DMSguild product you guys put together if you want it (instead of TWC7).
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Oh, and I like the plumed behemoth template as an idea. Its a good idea to make it a template rather than making brand new creatures for each or just saying "just use this creature". I really like the story of the Battle of Hundred Wings. The Quetzaldaun too. That's what I want to see, the gods defending the people who transferred to Abeir in some form from the oppressive tyrants of Abeir. Far Payit makes a great place for this idea of them existing.
you can completely blame Ixalan for the template - I saw that artwork and was like, "whoah, we need those!"
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Itzapaplotl is also a very interesting individual, even moreso that she wasn't affected by the sun on Abeir.
She heavily features in the novellete I wrote. At some point I had it up on DMSGuild before I realized you can't put up stories (yet). I did get a note, however, that if I included it in part of another book it would be allowed. I found that interesting and fortuitous. It's making me want to soon update TWC1 with a supplemental.
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Edited by - Seethyr on 24 Feb 2018 16:24:30 |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 16:29:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Ah, gotcha. What did you call your orc-invaders then? Those 'heads' got me mixed up.
Okay, looking through YOUR Lopango sourcebook - your were just calling them 'the orcs'. Thats fine. Drop the whole Kolan/Kosan/Kagon thing then (except for where Dagon is involved, and the history - I just mean the phoenetic connections).
Yeah, they were just "sorcerous orcs" intentionally. I left their origins as vague as I could so that the eventual Katashaka follow up wasn't bound to any existing "Maztica Alive!" lore. Oddly, once in a while I do remember to plan ahead lol!
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
EDIT:
I just did research on Wakanda, and I 'may' use some of that... maybe. I like the idea of a country that is covertly far more powerful (and has 'secret resource') than outsiders believe. I had envisioned something similar with Maztica... before 4e came along and blew everything up.
I forget which splatbook...I think Complete Arcane from 3.5, had a prestige class called the "Green Star Adept." These guys sought out the rare metal of a falling star and actually ... ate it. This gave them a variety of powers, one of which was becoming metallic themselves. I remember it being one of the few things I liked from that book. I recently posted about it on Piazza.
On a side note...there is a lot of material here already on Katashaka. Wehn I find some time, would you mind me copying all of your posts (you, Sleyvas, and everyone else who has contributed), and started at least putting them together in a single document? Even stuff that you have abandoned - because I think you could definitely start moving past the brainstorming phase now and I'd be happy to help at least organize. I would also start petitioning folks for artwork if you'd like me to. |
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Edited by - Seethyr on 24 Feb 2018 16:33:52 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 16:46:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I actually have a portal somewhere below those islands on the left (west) side of Katshaka that the Mulhoranndi used, from my one CKC article. It leads to the Gbor Nor (Brightstar lake), near the island of Bhaluin.
I have it where Mulhorand briefly tried to settle the place (maybe for a century), until 'pressing matters at home' made them give up their colonization efforts. Thus there are some pyramids and stuff over by the desert. I only did that (back then) because I needed a few Sea-Gates to explain the cultures, because the 'accepted' source for Katashaka back then was Nyambe, and Nyambe had a 'near east' culture like that they called 'The water People', as well as another near-eastern one that was very much Zakharan (and a 'far east' one as well - Kara-Tur), thus on that coast (by the desert) and on those two islands I have the same setup as Nyambe did. I may, at this point, give the shou another island 'base' to the left of Katashaka, because that would actually make more sense (even though they are using Gates, you'd still think they would want a direct sea-route as well). I have to think about it, though. I don't want them to have a dominating presence in the region (but definitely a strong one).
Are Rhinaur written up anywhere, other than in the novel?
And what kind of navy are we talking for the Tabaxi? Catamarans?
Seriously, though, the few catfolk Tabaxi that went north to Chult must have been pretty brave - the whole reason the island works for me is because most cats would be afraid to sail.
The tabaxi that leave for Chult are human. That's over 4 thousand years ago. In between that time, the tabaxi that stay behind in Katashaka... at some point... become the Tabaxi that are the cat folk, and THOSE Tabaxi eventually spread into Far Payit in Maztica. I actually picture there having been a land bridge between Lopango and Northern Katashaka somewhere that's since been destroyed in the last 4 thousand years.
On Rhinaur... No, they are not statted anywhere. The Star of Cursrah book is the only source that I know of. It should be noted that the Rhinaur and "manscorpions" were both tauric races that were specifically found down in ancient Calimshan according to that novel. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 17:11:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Do me a favor, also do up two basic creatures. One is like a tressym, but its a mini-griffin, but instead of eagle and lion, make it parrot and panther (but a blue furred panther). The other the same thing, but a cockatoo and a white tiger. Not sure of a good maztican name for them.
Those sound really cool. I'd love to write them up. Just some questions before I do...
1) Should I make them subspecies of each other, leaving room for additional ones in the future?
2) Should they be Katashaka specific - or are they all about the True World?
3) Do you want them to be low powered enough that they are appropriate for familiars?
Personally, I would suggest keeping it Katashaka only, giving yours and Markustay's work something addtional that makes it unique. In that case, I'll write it up, but it could be part of the eventual DMSguild product you guys put together if you want it (instead of TWC7).
I want them for Katashaka. However, that being said, I want them for my red wizards in Lopango as well, but THERE I want the red wizards getting the idea that they can create their own kinds. Thus, the red wizards end up with some WEIRD looking kinds. Picture a black/grey toucan with a rainbow beak and the black hind end of a panther. Maybe a peacock mixed with siamese. Red/Yellow Parrot with an orange/red tabby or leopard hind end. They get the idea when they have their own griffins and then discover these two offshoots in Katashaka and decide they can make their own. The ones by the red wizards should be simple mounts only (unless they somehow magically awaken them). Someone else produced another similar creature called an owlcat for DM's Guild, and I'll also have them for night work by the red wizards.
http://www.dmsguild.com/product/177638/Owlcat
I like them being some kind of "blessing" by Nula, but on a group, with the exact story being left vague... because they themselves have forgotten their origin. They should be intelligent, but not extremely so, but they can talk like parrots (not just repeating things).
Hmmm, what might make some good abilities? Maybe they can cast tongues or comprehend languages?
I do like the ability for the tressym like ones to be able to bond as familiars. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2018 : 21:22:20
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All this talk of miniature griffons... I did the same thing in one of my Hooks, back in the day, using the spell Duhlark's animerge. The spell was originally 2E, but there's a 3E version in the Duhlarkin entry in the Realms Bestiary, Volume 1 by Eric L. Boyd and Thomas M. Costa.
Short version: this is the spell used to make all those weird half-half critters, like owlbears and such. 
On a related note, I supported a Kickstarter last year called Atlas Animalia. The idea was to make a kind of lore book, focusing on regional variants of some fantasy critters. For griffons, for example, it has the Common Griffin, Lesser Griffin, Snow Griffin, and Tiger Griffin. Each has a one-page write-up, with artwork, and no stats. And the appearance of each is distinct. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2018 : 18:28:32
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I love the idea of small griffons, but I am wondering if they fit thematically in the 'New World'. I think good art work could go a long way with this particular idea, because just hearing 'griffon' screams 'European' to me (because the way you described them would make them work, but if I'M having a hard time picturing them, so will everyone else, I would assume).
I'm actually considering three sizes - tiny, mini, and small. Tiny could sit on your shoulder (like a large parrot, small would be like a good-sized housecat (smaller, though, than a lynx), and then others would be about the size of large dog (so maybe something the size of a kobold could ride one, or a small goblinoid). That last one would have more tiger-like coloring striping, mixing it with something like a Baltimore Oriole.
And then I also want 'Monkey-birds' (stolen from Pirates of Darkwater). Here's Another Shot.
And when I went look for a decent picture of those (that's the main character one - others have different coloration), I came across this bizarro thing - The Goraven. I don't think I want those, though - it may give someone nightmares. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 26 Feb 2018 18:40:26 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2018 : 20:01:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I love the idea of small griffons, but I am wondering if they fit thematically in the 'New World'. I think good art work could go a long way with this particular idea, because just hearing 'griffon' screams 'European' to me (because the way you described them would make them work, but if I'M having a hard time picturing them, so will everyone else, I would assume).
My "falcats" as I later dubbed them were house cat/falcon mixes, so they'd be the size of a house cat.
Both types of critters are present in the New World, so a blend is theoretically possible... Though you could go with something else, of course. I've long been fond of the eagle/wolf hybrid, since I first saw the character Silverbolt in the otherwise forgettable Beast Wars series. (Pic!) |
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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 26 Feb 2018 20:02:03 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2018 : 20:40:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
On a side note...there is a lot of material here already on Katashaka. Wehn I find some time, would you mind me copying all of your posts (you, Sleyvas, and everyone else who has contributed), and started at least putting them together in a single document? Even stuff that you have abandoned - because I think you could definitely start moving past the brainstorming phase now and I'd be happy to help at least organize. I would also start petitioning folks for artwork if you'd like me to.
Yeah, I kind of got sidetracked by working on the Shaar/western Unther/Wizard's Reach area. Since then I decided I was trying to do too much in a small area (technically its not real small... but I need the design to leave open whole swathes for others to add in their own entries). I also decided to scale back just how much the red wizards actually control by a bit. Then I got sidetracked by the Metahel and that eastern Island.
You know what, I think I'm going to kind of release what I have for Katashaka in the end as similar to what was done for dreams of the red wizards. It will have a "surrounding areas" section and just give a light touch on each. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2018 : 20:43:44
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| I like the monkeybird as well. That being said, I was actually doing winged monkeys, because I was kind of spoofing the Wizard of Oz with a green hag civilization and a city made of green stone with a yellow stone road. Then I saw Chult had winged monkeys too. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2018 : 06:25:54
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Everyone loves flying monkeys!
Those hags would have hobgoblin guard wearing uniforms, right? We need the whole package.
And then a young woman, a leonin, a Warforged, and an awakened scarecorw golem pay those nasty hags a visit...
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
My "falcats" as I later dubbed them were house cat/falcon mixes, so they'd be the size of a house cat.
Both types of critters are present in the New World, so a blend is theoretically possible... Though you could go with something else, of course. I've long been fond of the eagle/wolf hybrid, since I first saw the character Silverbolt in the otherwise forgettable Beast Wars series. (Pic!)
*AHEM*  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1151 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2018 : 14:26:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Everyone loves flying monkeys!
You might want to consider reworking the Ba’Atun from UK7 Dark Clouds Gather then and their leader Yesork Payeh (sorry I can’t post links still). I loved that adventure and it could fit in quite well. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2018 : 18:29:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Everyone loves flying monkeys!
You might want to consider reworking the Ba’Atun from UK7 Dark Clouds Gather then and their leader Yesork Payeh (sorry I can’t post links still). I loved that adventure and it could fit in quite well.
Ya know, I had been completely unaware of that adventure!
Cloud Giants? Aarakocra envoys?
Methinks I may just adapt this whole-cloth to Katashaka.
Thanks for the heads-up!!! |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 27 Feb 2018 18:31:13 |
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Maztica Alive! Workshop
