Te Wai Paunamu (Eb and Teer's RP world)

[shisteer of nothing much]

So, this has taken a while and I'm so glad New Zealand is ahead of everyone else, otherwise I probably wouldn't have it done in time. I'll probably add more details and describe things better as I get feedback and when Eb and I have a chance to actually talk about it IRL. Anyway, here's what I've got so far:

Te Wai Paunamu

Geography: Te Wai Paunamu is one of the two main islands that make up Aotearoa. It is situated on the southern end of the country, while Te Ika Nui is in the north. As such, it can get cold during the winter and, even in summer, snow can usually be seen on the mountain tops. Over half of the island is taken up by Tutanekai, the huge mountain range, and most of the west coast has steep cliffs bordering the water. The eastern side of the island is more tame, with two large areas of relatively flat and very nutritious soil. The entire island is covered in bush, with the foliage only thinning at high altitude, and there are rivers, streams and springs dotted at regular intervals over the island, each holding drinkable, though usually freezing, water. (I haven't marked rivers or lakes on the map because there are so many of them that it would cause more confusion to have them shown than it would to just let beasts use their imaginations)
At the northern end of the island is a large bay, called Te Taiau Aotere, which is scattered with islands, the largest of which, and the only one that can be safely landed on by waka, being Kapeti Motu.
Halfway down the east coast is Te Waahi O Te Riri, a deep bay with its mouth guarded by a half circle of rocky islands, forming an almost perfect circle. Legends tell of a large serpent that used to patrol the coast, dining on anything that came too close the water. One day, it made the mistake of taking Parirau Hoko's wife. The big hast eagle, in a fit of rage, sought the monster out and challenged him, eventually defeating the slithering taniwha and tying him to a stake on the top of a large peninsula where the beast could see the water but couldn't get to it. For a long time after, the taniwha raged, racing around in circles in his anger as he sought to get to the water until he had worn the earth away and he sunk into the sea, never to be seen again.

Map: https://ibb.co/j30SKpP

Habitation (I feel like that's the wrong word but I can't think of the right one at the moment): Te Wai Paunamu is ruled by many tribes, each with their own forts and territories that they guard jealously, often fighting between themselves over land or anything else they want. The land constantly changes paws (hence why I haven't marked borders between territories). Most tribes are of varied species and are usually led by a powerful bird, either hast eagle, hawk or huia, with the title 'Parirau', translating to 'wing' and used as a term of respect for the chief of the tribe. (Chief, leader and other terms are also used informally, depending on the Parirau) It is a rare occurrence but the landbound can become leaders and, once done so, are respected and treated as such, with no stigma based on species.

[close]

Faction one: Nga O Te Ahi

People group: Nga O Te Ahi

History: Nobeast knows exactly when Nga O Te Ahi arrived at Maunga Huka and made it their home, but they have lived in the cliffs for at least six hundred sets of seasons. Legend has it that they immigrated from the North, but nothing is absolutely certain.

Laws/customs: There can only ever be one grown male eagle at Maunga Huka. More than one and the two would fight and the stronghold would crumble, even if the two eagles were closely related.
The Parirau has complete authority. Nobeast questions the command of the Parirau if he knows what's good for him.
The birds of Maunga Huka hold a huge feast twice a year, at midsummer and midwinter.
Every creature has sworn an oath to do right and protect the weak, even if it means death.

Other: N/A

[close]

Dwelling: Maunga Huka

Location: About a third of the way up the west coast of Te Wai Paunamu 

Appearance: Maunga Huka is a massive line of high cliffs on the east coast, with thick vegetation covering its landward slopes.

History: It was created by a massive earthquake that pushed up the sea bed, hence why fossils of sea creatures are found in the walls of the caves that riddle the cliffs. But the legend is that Taniwha Moana, the Sea Taniwha, made the cliffs when he was in a rage, thrashing the sea and coast until Maunga Huka was formed. According to legend, the rulers of Maunga Huka sometimes go into the same rage, called the Riritoto.

Other: N/A

[close]

Leader: Parirau Kakariki

Name: Parirau Kakariki

Species: Hast eagle

Gender: Male

Age: 37 seasons

Appearance: Big, as all hast eagles are, with brown feathers over his body, head and legs. The feathers on his tail and wing tips are tinged with metallic green. His beak is light brown and razor sharp.

History: Kakariki was hatched in his father's eerie near the top of Maunga Huka. He grew up on the mountain and took over as Parirau of Maunga Huka when his father, Parirau Whero, was killed in battle on Kapeti Motu. He found a mate five seasons after becoming leader of the mountain fortress, but they have so far had no chicks.

Weapons: Wings, beak and talons.

Other: His favourite pastime is joining his mate in diving off the highest point at Maunga Huka.

[close]

[close]

Faction two: Ngati Tekau

People group: Ngati Tekau

History: The beasts of Ngati Tekau are of varied species and their leader's species has also been varied, even having a land bound beast lead them on one occasion. They have never been a large or powerful tribe and were often attacked, their crops scattered and their territory trampled. They originated on the coast near Te Waahi O Te Riri but were driven out of the plentiful hills by the Nga Tangata O Te Hau, who were looking to expand their territory. Ever since, Ngati Tekau and its beasts have dwelt at Pa Panawai, guarding their territory with ferocity dependent on their leader.

Laws/Customs: Like most tribes, the laws vary with their leader and are unwritten, being changed, abandoned or created at any given time by whoever may be in authority. With Parirau Tuuturu in leadership, they are always hospitable to those in need, though, as a matter of safety for their young and themselves, they assign three of the tribe's best warriors to watch over a guest, providing comfort and anything else the beast may need but also ensuring that he doesn't cause trouble of any sort.
  They believe, as many of the tribes do, in the creator god Io, who made Rangi and Papa, the sky and the earth. Rangi and Papa loved each other very much and used to be very close together as they embraced each other, with their children in the middle, but then the sons grew tired of being squashed in their parents' embrace so the brothers all pushed until Rangi and Papa were separated. Ever after, Rangi has wept during the colder season because she misses the warmth and love that she received from Papa, and because she knows that they are permanently driven apart. The Ngati Tekau also believe that, when a beast dies, he goes to Io for cleansing before going to an alternative universe type place where Rangi and Papa are still united and where they return to the warmth and happiness of that loving embrace.

Other: N/A

[close]

Dwelling: Pa panawai

Location: Pa Panawai is nestled snugly at the foothills of Tutanekai, on the eastern side of the huge mountain range and directly opposite Te Waahi O Te Riri.

Appearance: Pa Panawai is a small fortress, situated at the top of a particularly steep slope, up which there are several layers consisting of deep ditches, then a sheer wall with spiked stakes at the top, followed by a few metres of clear ground. The pattern is repeated three of four times before potential attackers are met with another solid palisade, this one higher than the previous ones. Inside this wall is the village, its huts made of woven sticks covered in mud. Several trees also house families of the more 'traditional' type and, in the center of the village, is the communal cook fires and the Wharehuihuinga, or meeting house. Behind the huts and places of residence are the gardens, growing mostly the sweet vegetable called Kumara. Other food is gathered from the thick bush surrounding the entire village for miles. A small stream runs on the southern side of the community, providing both fresh water and the occasional fish, though kai moana is normally acquired from the sea.

History: Pa Panawai was built to withhold other tribes and has done so many times, its defenses holding long enough to repel invasion. The few times hostile tribes had managed to get over the solid ramparts, they usually met a well-armed and angry tribe of defenders and were forced to retreat. Only once had the walls failed to fulfil their task and, even then, they had still brought enough time for most of the Ngati Tekau to get away safely. The small fortress was won back with the help of the Nga O Te Ahi tribe.

Other: N/A

[close]

Leader: Parirau Tuuturu (Huia)

Name: Parirau Tuuturu

Species: Huia

Gender: Male

Age: 43 seasons

Appearance: Tuuturu is an old huia, though still relatively fit. His long years of experience haven't shown themselves much and he appears almost as he did twenty seasons ago.

Personality: Tuuturu is a peaceful beast and always has been. He leads his tribe with kindness and wisdom, earning their trust and loyalty with his well thought words and actions.

History: Tuuturu grew up the son of a chief, learning the ways of leadership from his father. When he was sixteen seasons, their pa was attacked and his father killed in the battle. Tuuturu and most others escaped the slaughter and fled west, till they found themselves in Parirau Whero's territory. The hast eagle allowed them to rely on his hospitality until they'd recovered from their injuries and exhaustion, then sent some fighting beasts with them to reclaim their land. Nga O Te Ahi and Ngati Tekau have been allies ever since and have sworn to aid each other if ever in trouble.

Weapons: None. Parirau Tuuturu is a beast of peace.

Other: N/A

[close]

[close]

Faction three: Nga Taua

People group: Nga Taua

Species: Nga Taua is formed of many varying species, all cold blooded and heartless. There are magpies, crows, ravens, rats, stoats, possums, weasels, and a few reptiles, including their leader; a savage beast known as a waitaniwha, or water monster, though, in reality, it would be more accurate to say mud monster.

History: Nga Taua is of mixed species, cultures and heritage because it was formed by rebels and outcasts. Its first leader and founder was a stoat by the name of Fengorm Tamaki, who was banished from his tribe for the murder of his whaea after she had found him beating his little brothers. Most other beasts in the band had similar stories and they joined together, roaming throughout Te Ika Nui and gaining more strength as other beasts joined them and their ranks swelled. Several seasons after they'd formed, they gained their first reptile, a massive beast called Terau Paraha, who, shortly after he'd arrived, witnessed the tragic death of Fengorm as he was wounded through the chest with a missile out of a loud, shiny weapon from some beasts foreign to Aotearoa. Terau Paraha had bravely defended the old leader's body and come out victorious, collecting the strange weapons of the enemy beasts and taking them and Fengorm Tamaki's body back to the Nga Taua tribe. After the Tangi for their former leader, the tribe elected Terau Paraha as their new chief. Terau Paraha led them to many victories, stopping to trade whenever he saw one of the large waka from another land arrive. He learned that the strange weapons he'd picked up were called 'gahns' and he acquired many more of them and the strange ammunition they used. The new weapons gave him and his tribe power and they headed over the sea to overcome the plentiful island of Kapeti, which they did with ease and proceeded to fortify it and get it ready as their military base.
Kapeti Motu set up and the weather improving, Terau Paraha led his first campaign on Te Wai Paunamu, traveling along the east coast as he killed, captured and plundered. When the rain and cold returned, the Nga Taua also returned, heading back to Kapeti Motu for the winter. The trips continued for five summers before the Te Wai Paunamu tribes retaliated, but they were beaten back with ease, blown to pieces with the superior weapons of Nga Taua. Since then they have continued, largely unopposed in their effort to rule Te Wai Paunamu.

Laws/customs: As was mentioned, the cultures and beliefs are greatly varied within Nga Taua. Everybeast has his own laws of conduct and his own gods, and with them, his own ways of worshipping said gods. The law and discipline in the tribe is not consistent. If the leader decides a beast needs punishing and that the punishment should be carried out in a certain way, that is what happens. Other than that, it is up to individuals to sort out personal squabbles. They may drag whoever they like into it but involving Terau Paraha isn't usually considered a good idea. He is apt to consider disturbing him a crime and punish all involved parties. There are enough beasts in the tribe to be able to spare a few.

Other: N/A

[close]

Dwelling: Kapeti Motu

Location: Kapeti Motu is the largest island in Te Taiau Aotere, a bay at the top of Te Wai Paunamu.

Appearance: The Island is a place of plenty, with golden sand, green, heavily wooded hills and plenty of freshwater sources. It has solid fortifications all the way 'round, with a front gate on the southern side above the island's largest stream, which is a tidal affair that widens where it meets the sea.
Inside, the land has been nurtured for crops, with neat rows of various produce in neat fields beside neat huts made of tightly woven flax, the walls covered in mud and the roof containing several layers of the material, stuck together with a plant-based glue.
In the centre of the settlement is a large hangi pit where the food for the entire community is cooked and prepared.
The only area that isn't tidy, friendly and naturally beautiful is on the eastern side of the island, in the form of a large swamp. Here the land is dark, damp and murky, sending a sinister shiver down a beast's spine should he enter this place. Only the most hardy, stubborn plants grow here and, even then, they are tatty and threadbare, like a worn out smock. The sun's rays have free access to this place in the morning and, during that time, the swamp is dank and suffocating, with not even a breeze to stir the heat and make it more bearable. In the evenings, the mud is cold and clammy, the wind is blustery and temperamental and the light is non-existent. The worst thing about the swamp, however, is the beast that resides there. He holds ultimate authority over the entire island and is leader to its inhabitants. He hears all and sees all as he lurks in the mud, only his eyes above the surface as he scans the bleak landscape of his home and the plentiful location of his tribe.

History: Kapeti Motu was first home to the Kiore Hua, a peaceful species who worked the land with skill and efficiency, growing mostly fruit, as their name might suggest their diet consisted of. (Hua means 'fruit' in their language)
Being what and who they were, the Nga Taua tribe caught them completely unawares, arriving in their waka and obliterating most of the native populace. Some of the Kiore Hua managed to escape in their own waka and fled south to Te Wai Paunamu.
Kapeti Motu has since been run by Nga Taua, being left with only the barest minimum beasts to look after the land and defend it against enemies during the warmer months and fully occupied during the cold season.

Other: N/A

[close]

Leader: Terau Paraha

Name: Terau Paraha

Species: Waitaniwha (water monster)

Gender: Male

Age: Nobeast knows though if his size is anything to judge, which it typically is in his species, he must be positively ancient.

Appearance: His most prominent feature is his size, followed by his snout. (A huge, elongated affair that acts as a mouth, a nose and a weapon) He is covered from head to tail (which is also a significant part of his anatomy) in green scales. The creatures that resemble him most are crocodiles. (Though the beasts of Aotearoa have never heard of crocodiles, so they don't know that)

Personality: Evil. Terau Paraha has no room for mercy in his black heart and anybeast who crosses him will feel his wrath, eventually. Terau Paraha isn't rash or impulsive but he never forgets. Utu will be paid out in full.

History: Terau Paraha was banished from his tribe and wandered for several years before joining up with the Nga Taua tribe and working his way up to become leader of the rebel gang. He then led his new tribe in battle to conquer Kapeti Motu, which they turned into their base, building and fortifying it. The many beasts they captured in the invasion were turned into slaves, working the land to provide food for their masters until Terau Paraha got hungry again, at which time the number of slaves would diminish by half a dozen.
His military base established, Terau Paraha took a large force and landed on the southern mainland, driving his way down the east coast until Autumn, then returning to Kapeti for the winter. It became routine. Every winter was spent at Kapeti, then, during the summer the campaign on Te Wai Paunamu was continued. Nga Taua steadily went south, conquering and pillaging, taking slaves and plunder and claiming the land for themselves. One winter, most of the tribes of Te Wai Paunamu banded together and went to Kapeti, hoping to overcome Nga Taua while they were letting their fur down. They were slaughtered. Those that didn't escape became slaves but quickly died under the abuse they received. There followed a change to Terau Paraha's summer holidays; it was now a matter of Utu, of vengeance, rather than simply acquiring new land. Every tribe along the east coast was now their enemy. When they conquered, all of the settlements would be destroyed. When they met resistance, all beasts responsible would also be destroyed. It was an ugly picture, filled with slaughter and hatred, but Terau Paraha kept it going without pause. Nobeast would stand in his way and nobeast would fail to fall before his points.

Weapons: Teeth, tail and taiha

Other: N/A

[close]

[close]