Been working on a small campaign setting, set on a chain of islands. I wanted to borrow the Phanatons, a race of small sized flying monkey/squirrels from the Isles of Dread. I've done my best to convert them over to Pathfinder, with some small changes to them to better fit the creation rules presented in the Advanced Race Guide.
I've also begun work on the map, which is still a WIP, but I wanted to get some feedback and discussion going on the setting if possible. It will only help the overall setting to have more people offering suggestions and critique.
The Rough Draft of the Map is here
Phanaton Advanced Race: 20 rp
small monstrous humanoid (3)
Normal speed (3)
Greater weakness + two increases (+2 dex, +2 wis, -2 str, -2 int) (5)
Xenophobic (phanaton, with choices of Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, & Terran)
Climb (20 ft) (2)
Gliding wings (3)
bite with increase (2)
prehensile tail (2)
ancient foe (spiderkind) (3)
Your link points to the main page of this message board and not a map. I don't use the race guide so I cannot critique your monster race, but as a pro mapper I can probably offer suggestions there. I've dabbled with a homebrew Plieostocene Epoch setting, though have not done much with it.
thats weird. I thought it was right when i posted it. maybe it was some sort of error from when the site went down last night. maybe i copied the wrong page address.
Looks like Hawaii. I will look at it more critically later today.
Looks like Hawaii. I will look at it more critically later today.
lol, so I've been told. That wasn't my goal, but that's how it ended up.
The Hawaiian islands are volcanic which is the reason why the islands are basically rounded in shape (although some islands have calved, meaning up to half the island has fallen off into the sea, so why some aren't so round). So looking at your islands, I would suspect those being of volcanic origin too. On the other hand, seeing mountain ranges on those islands is counter to purely volcanic activity, which would suggest these islands shouldn't be so roundish.
Also your islands are in a chain, which also suggests volcanic origins.
I'd vary the shapes of the islands more - look at the Phillipines or Indonesia for reference, especially if you intend to keep your mountain ranges.
When you state Stone Age, are you just considering the technology? What cultures or comparitive historical (prehistorical) time period are you shooting for: Stone Age barbarous areas in a more modern world, something from Paleo/Mezo/Neolithic era where there is nothing more advanced, or something else?
Are the Phanatons going to be your only race here or will there be others? Keep in mind, most of the standard races are between 9-11 RP, so currently they're about twice the average RP.
That probably won't matter too much if you create encounters about one level above the character levels until level 5. (1st level Phanatons would be able to take on 2nd level encounters; 2nd level Phanatons would be able to take on 3rd level encounters and so on.)
However, if there are other races you will need to consider whether they need toned down or if the other races need buffed up. I don't think it would be a good idea to have that great of a disparity between races.
Also, I'm coming up with a total of 23 RP (3 + 3 = 6 + 5 = 11 + 2 = 13 + 3 = 16 + 2 = 18 + 2 = 20 + 3 = 23). And, looking at 3.5 Phanatons, I'm a little confused where you're getting some of this from. For instance, Normal Speed is usually 0 RP. Also why Greater Weakness with two pluses rather than Standard? They're listed as small Humanoids not small Monstrous Humanoids?
What is the scale of your map? It looks pretty interesting, but more features might be visible depending on how it's scaled. I like the mountains, but are any volcanic? Will you be adding forests? What type of animals are you seeing here - megafauna? Dinosaurs? Some mix?
Finally, I'm guessing there's going to be some spidery creatures as enemies here since they have spiderkind as ancient foes?
Also consider that if your islands are roughly the scale of the Hawaiian chain, most islands do not support rivers, as the distance from water source to the sea is very short. Hawaii gets some of the most rain in the world, which is why an island like Kuau'i (the western most major island of the chain) has 3 rivers on it, even though the entire island is only 30 miles across in diameter.
The Hawaiian islands are volcanic which is the reason why the islands are basically rounded in shape (although some islands have calved, meaning up to half the island has fallen off into the sea, so why some aren't so round). So looking at your islands, I would suspect those being of volcanic origin too. On the other hand, seeing mountain ranges on those islands is counter to purely volcanic activity, which would suggest these islands shouldn't be so roundish.
Also your islands are in a chain, which also suggests volcanic origins.
I'd vary the shapes of the islands more - look at the Phillipines or Indonesia for reference, especially if you intend to keep your mountain ranges.
When you state Stone Age, are you just considering the technology? What cultures or comparitive historical (prehistorical) time period are you shooting for: Stone Age barbarous areas in a more modern world, something from Paleo/Mezo/Neolithic era where there is nothing more advanced, or something else?
Okay, let me start from scratch. I think i understand what your saying.
the mountains dont match the land around it. these are more like continents, than islands. how I constructed them was backwards, water, land, mountain, forest; in that order. for a volcanic region, the land grows from the center, as mountains belch lava.
The campaign is based around the players being all Phanatons.
Here is the new map, because i scrapped the old one.
Map.
Okay, let me start from scratch. I think i understand what your saying.
the mountains dont match the land around it. these are more like continents, than islands. how I constructed them was backwards, water, land, mountain, forest; in that order. for a volcanic region, the land grows from the center, as mountains belch lava.
The campaign is based around the players being all Phanatons.
Here is the new map, because i scrapped the old one.
Map.
This looks much more likely. I'm still curious as to the scale here. What size are the islands? Are they like Hawaiʻi proper (the largest island in the chain) as well as Maui, Oʻahu, etc? Are they larger?
I always had trouble with scale... they are definitely larger than the Hawaiian islands. What do you think about this?
the largest island is about 200 miles wide, not including the attached smaller western island.
I can upload a new photo with a scale.
Check the last post's link. I've replaced it at its source.
I've gone through and tried to compile as much information about the Phanatons, made some slight changes and combining the info into this.
http://www.lomion.de/cmm/img/phanaton.gif
PHANATONS
APPEARANCE:
No larger than a domestic cat, a Phanaton is a small furry creature that resembles a cross between a raccoon, a flying squirrel, and a monkey. They have dexterous hands (including opposable thumbs), prehensile feet, and a highly expressive face. Phanatons have four foot long prehensile tails that are strong enough to support their body weight. They have large flaps of skin between their arms and legs allow them to glide long distances. A Phanaton’s coloration resembles a raccoon, with a dark mask over the eyes, gray-brown fur, and a ringed tail. A Phanaton's eyes are bright green, fiery red, or shiny yellow. In the dark, Phanaton eyes can give travelers quite a scare.
They rarely wear clothing, mainly because it interferes with their ability to glide, but they sometimes wear jewelry, typically made of carved or polished wood, bone, or stone. When not using tools, they could easily be mistaken for simple animals, until they begin speak.
HABITAT/SOCIETY:
Phanatons are settled hunter-gatherers. They live in small tribal villages, groups of family huts on platforms high in the trees. Each Phanaton tribe is made up of various clans. Phanaton clans have 3d10×10 adult members, plus an additional 25% of that number in offspring. Their litters have 1d6 kits. The kits grow to maturity in six months. Phanatons can live for 80-100 years.
Clans live in villages built on platforms of wood and woven vines connected by a network of rope bridges. Each village has a chief, typically the oldest and the wisest member of their tribe, who meets periodically with other chiefs in the local region to discuss policy. On rare occasions where the need arises, a group of highly skilled Phanatons are chosen by the elders to leave their villages in search for adventure, or to combat a certain threat. While it is not mandatory to go, it’s considered an honor.
Phanaton are omnivorous. Phanaton prefer to eat fruits and vegetables, though they may eat meat. They have made only minor attempts at agriculture, sometimes guarding a favored tree or planting a small vegetable patch. They trap more often than they hunt, with fish, snakes, insects, and small birds their most common sources of meat. They are especially fond of the taste of spiders, a favored delicacy.
Being careful not to deplete their supply, Phanatons gather fruits and roots from the area around their villages. Gathering food is the most common task of Phanatons, but religion, learning, and a few crafts are also vital parts of Phanaton culture. Most Phanatons tend to do things for themselves and their families, but they do cooperate on such major projects as building and village defense.
ECOLOGY:
A healthy woods or jungle is often a sign of Phanaton influence. These creatures enjoy tending the woods around them, cultivating favorite plants, clearing away dead plant matter, and ensuring that the balance of nature in their area is maintained. Phanatons are the allies of the fey folk, such as treants, nymphs, and dryads. They are the traditional enemy of the aranea (Bestiary 2, page 30) and other spider-kin, and attack them on sight. Anyone who attempts to destroy or corrupt nature is seen as enemies.
ALIGNMENT:
Phanatons tend towards good, neutral, and chaotic alignments. It is extremely rare for Phanatons to be evil. Those of their tribe that break too many of their deeply held beliefs are cast out by the tribe, generally after being shamed by their family and been shaved completely bald.
PERSONALITY:
These spiritual folk have a great love of nature. Though normally peaceful, they strive to protect their forest homes and can fight well when pressed. Phanatons lead a relatively harsh existence, so they tend to be rather serious. Still, they take joy from life; not jokers or boisterous carousers, they have a quiet sense of humor. Phanatons are cautious and not prone to panic, nor are they easily awed by shows of power. The family is very important to phanatons, and two or three generations often share the same living quarters. Elders are greatly respected, and the young are cared for and taught by the whole family.
Phanaton speak their own languages that consists largely of hoots, chatters, and clicks. It can be mistaken for animal noises. They can also use sign language with strangers. They also speak the languages of Fey creatures, Aklo and Sylvan, and sometimes the elemental languages, aquan and terran. Though Phanaton do not have a written language, they love to pass down stories and legends from generation to generation. In fact, many Phanaton names are followed by a list of the Phanaton's ancestors' accomplishments.
ROLE-PLAYING SUGGESTIONS:
Phanaton prefer ambushes and sneak attacks over direct conflict. They love nature and are very druidic, no matter what their actual class. Phanaton warriors prefer simple weapons such as nets and staves. They seldom wear clothing, as it interferes with their gliding, but enjoy wearing decorations, makeup and jewelry of various sorts. Some have been known to stain or color their fur for camouflage or for intimidation. Many of the outcast tribes revere or collect totems and worse yet, mummified Phanaton skulls.
COMBAT:
Their gentle nature makes Phanaton slow to attack strangers, though they fight fanatically to save the natural beauty around them from extinction. As a rule, Phanaton will not opt for direct attacks on bigger or more numerous foes. Phanatons use the forest setting in order to launch harrying sneak attacks; when among trees, Phanatons can move silently into position, and glide in for the attack.
Phanaton hate spiders intensely and will attack them on sight, typically casting aside all tactics and stealth. They often carry anti-poisons and other alchemical items to protect themselves from spiders and other venomous creatures.
Phanaton tend to use simple weapons, although favor clubs, blowguns, and nets. Most of their weapons are fabricated simply with materials at hand. They have not discovered metallurgy, so they work with other natural materials. They are not above using poison, although they favor nonlethal over lethal. They are skilled at making traps and herbal medicines.
PHANATON CHARACTERS (RP 20)
Phanaton are defined by their class levels—they do not possess racial Hit Dice. Despite having no racial Hit Dice, Phanaton are powerful creatures and their CR is 1 higher than a human of the same level.
All Phanaton have the following racial traits.
+2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength, -2 Intelligence: Phanaton are agile and perceptive, but aren't as smart or strong.
Normal Speed: Phanatons have a base speed of 30 feet.
Size: Phanatons are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
Darkvision 60 ft.: Phanatons can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
Climb: Phanatons have a climb speed of 20 feet. They have a +8 racial bonus on climb checks.
Gliding Wings: Phanatons take no damage from falling (as if subject to a constant nonmagical feather fall spell). While in midair, Phanatons can move up to 5 feet in any horizontal direction for every 1 foot they fall, at a speed of 60 feet per round. A Phanaton with gliding wings cannot gain height with these wings alone; it merely coasts in other directions as it falls. If subjected to a strong wind or any other effect that causes a creature with gliding wings to rise, it can take advantage of the updraft to increase the distance it can glide.
Prehensile Tail: Phanatons have a long, flexible tail that can be used to carry objects. They cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they can retrieve small, stowed objects carried on their persons as a swift action.
Bite: Phanatons gain a natural bite attack, dealing 1d3 damage. The bite is a primary attack, or a secondary attack if the creature is wielding manufactured weapons.
Ancient Foe (Spider-kind): Phanatons gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC against spider-like creatures and a +2 racial bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple spider-like creatures.
Languages: Phanaton. A Phanaton with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, and Terran.
I've always liked the concept of Stone Age settings. Are these squirrel people still the only sapient species on the islands?
I've always liked the concept of Stone Age settings. Are these squirrel people still the only sapient species on the islands?
Perhaps the not only sapient species, but definitely the only playable race. Fey creatures, dragons, magical beasts, etc. with high enough intelligence scores to be considered sapient live on the island.
If your question is are any of the core races allowed, the answer is no. Such an isolated world simply is too far removed from the rest of the world to have any of the standard races present.
I'm still trying to figure out your racial traits. I'm getting information from here. Though your information seems to come from here.
Before racial adjustments: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 8
After racial adjustments:Str 11, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 8
This becomes: -2 Str +2 Dex -2 Int +2 Wis
I came up with different versions:
Each phanaton tribe is made up of clans. These clans live in villages built on platforms of wood and woven vines connected by a network of rope bridges. A healthy woods or jungle is often a sign of phanaton influence. These creatures enjoy tending the woods around them, cultivating favorite plants, clearing away dead plant matter, and ensuring that the balance of nature in their area is maintained.
Though phanatons do not have a written language, they love to pass down stories and legends from generation to generation. In fact, many phanaton names are followed by a list of the phanaton’s ancestors’ accomplishments.
Phanatons are omnivorous. They prefer to eat fruits and vegetables, but they also eat meat; they find spiders to be especially delicious.
Phanatons can live for 80 years.
Physical Description: No larger than a domestic cat, a Phanaton is a small furry creature that resembles a cross between a raccoon, a flying squirrel, and a monkey. They have dexterous hands (including opposable thumbs), prehensile feet, and a highly expressive face. Phanatons have four foot long prehensile tails that are strong enough to support their body weight. They have large flaps of skin between their arms and legs allow them to glide long distances. A Phanaton’s coloration resembles a raccoon, with a dark mask over the eyes, gray-brown fur, and a ringed tail. A Phanaton's eyes are bright green, fiery red, or shiny yellow. In the dark, Phanaton eyes can give travelers quite a scare.
Mixed Weakness Racial Traits: Phanatons gain -2 Str, +2 Dex, -4 Int, and +2 Wis. [-2 RP]
Type: Phanatons are humanoids with the phanaton subtype. [0 RP]
Size: Phanatons are Small creatures and thus gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a -1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks. [0 RP]
Speed: Phanatons have a base speed of 30 feet. [0 RP] They also have a climb speed of 30 feet, which also grants them a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. [2 RP]
Languages: Phanatons begin play speaking Phanaton. A Phanaton with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, and Terran.[0 RP]
Ancient Foe: Phanatons have a +2 dodge bonus to AC against spiderkin and a +2 racial bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple spiderkin. [3 RP]
Gliding Wings: Phanatons take no damage from falling (as if subject to a constant non-magical feather fall spell). While in midair, a phanaton can move up to 5 feet in any horizontal direction for every 1 foot she falls, at a speed of 60 feet per round. A phanaton with gliding wings cannot gain height with these wings alone; she merely coasts in other directions as she falls. If subjected to a strong wind or any other effect that causes the phanaton to rise, she can take advantage of the updraft to increase the distance she can glide. [3 RP]
Natural Weapons: Phanatons have a bite primary natural attack that deals 1d3 damage. [2 RP]
Low-Light Vision: Phanatons can see twice as far as a race with normal vision in conditions of dim light. [1 RP]
Prehensile Tail: Phanatons have a long, flexible tail that can be used to carry objects. They cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they can retrieve small, stowed objects carried on their persons as a swift action. [2 RP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mixed Weakness Racial Traits: Phanatons gain -2 Str, +2 Dex, -4 Int, and +2 Wis. [-2 RP]
Type: Phanatons are humanoids with the phanaton subtype. [0 RP]
Size: Phanatons are Small creatures and thus gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a -1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks. [0 RP]
Speed: Phanatons have a base speed of 30 feet. [0 RP] They also have a climb speed of 30 feet, which also grants them a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. [2 RP]
Languages: Phanatons begin play speaking Phanaton. A Phanaton with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, and Terran.[0 RP]
Ancient Foe: Phanatons have a +2 dodge bonus to AC against spiderkin and a +2 racial bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple spiderkin. [3 RP]
Gliding Wings: Phanatons take no damage from falling (as if subject to a constant non-magical feather fall spell). While in midair, a phanaton can move up to 5 feet in any horizontal direction for every 1 foot she falls, at a speed of 60 feet per round. A phanaton with gliding wings cannot gain height with these wings alone; she merely coasts in other directions as she falls. If subjected to a strong wind or any other effect that causes the phanaton to rise, she can take advantage of the updraft to increase the distance she can glide. [3 RP]
Natural Weapons: Phanatons have a bite primary natural attack that deals 1d3 damage. [2 RP]
Darkvision: Phanatons can see in the dark up to 60 feet. [2 RP]
Prehensile Tail: Phanatons have a long, flexible tail that can be used to carry objects. They cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they can retrieve small, stowed objects carried on their persons as a swift action. [2 RP]
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Mixed Weakness Racial Traits: Phanatons gain Phanatons gain -2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Int, and +2 Wis. [-2 RP] +2 Advanced Intelligence [4 RP]
Type: Phanatons are humanoids with the phanaton subtype. [0 RP]
Size: Phanatons are Small creatures and thus gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a -1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks. [0 RP]
Speed: Phanatons have a base speed of 30 feet. [0 RP] They also have a climb speed of 30 feet, which also grants them a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. [2 RP]
Languages: Phanatons begin play speaking Phanaton. A Phanaton with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, and Terran.[0 RP]
Ancient Foe: Phanatons have a +2 dodge bonus to AC against spiderkin and a +2 racial bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple spiderkin. [3 RP]
Gliding Wings: Phanatons take no damage from falling (as if subject to a constant non-magical feather fall spell). While in midair, a phanaton can move up to 5 feet in any horizontal direction for every 1 foot she falls, at a speed of 60 feet per round. A phanaton with gliding wings cannot gain height with these wings alone; she merely coasts in other directions as she falls. If subjected to a strong wind or any other effect that causes the phanaton to rise, she can take advantage of the updraft to increase the distance she can glide. [3 RP]
Natural Weapons: Phanatons have a bite primary natural attack that deals 1d3 damage. [2 RP]
Low-Light Vision: Phanatons can see twice as far as a race with normal vision in conditions of dim light. [1 RP]
Prehensile Tail: Phanatons have a long, flexible tail that can be used to carry objects. They cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they can retrieve small, stowed objects carried on their persons as a swift action. [2 RP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mixed Weakness Racial Traits: Phanatons gain Phanatons gain -2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Int, and +2 Wis. [-2 RP] +2 Advanced Intelligence [4 RP]
Type: Phanatons are humanoids with the phanaton subtype. [0 RP]
Size: Phanatons are Small creatures and thus gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a -1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks. [0 RP]
Speed: Phanatons have a base speed of 30 feet. [0 RP] They also have a climb speed of 30 feet, which also grants them a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. [2 RP]
Languages: Phanatons begin play speaking Phanaton. A Phanaton with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, and Terran.[0 RP]
Ancient Foe: Phanatons have a +2 dodge bonus to AC against spiderkin and a +2 racial bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple spiderkin. [3 RP]
Gliding Wings: Phanatons take no damage from falling (as if subject to a constant non-magical feather fall spell). While in midair, a phanaton can move up to 5 feet in any horizontal direction for every 1 foot she falls, at a speed of 60 feet per round. A phanaton with gliding wings cannot gain height with these wings alone; she merely coasts in other directions as she falls. If subjected to a strong wind or any other effect that causes the phanaton to rise, she can take advantage of the updraft to increase the distance she can glide. [3 RP]
Natural Weapons: Phanatons have a bite primary natural attack that deals 1d3 damage. [2 RP]
Darkvision: Phanatons can see in the dark up to 60 feet. [2 RP]
Prehensile Tail: Phanatons have a long, flexible tail that can be used to carry objects. They cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they can retrieve small, stowed objects carried on their persons as a swift action. [2 RP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm still unclear where you're getting 20 RP from.
small monstrous humanoid (3)
Normal speed
mixed weakness + one increase (+2 dex, +2 wis, -2 str, -2 int) (2)
Xenophobic (phanaton, with choices of Aklo, Aquan, Sylvan, & Terran)
Climb (20 ft) (2)
Gliding wings (3)
bite with increase (1+1=2)
prehensile tail (2)
ancient foe (spiderkind) (3)
the math was wrong. 17 pts.
the ability score breakdown came from
http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Phanaton_(3.5e_Creature)
the info came from several sources, including
thecreaturechronicle.tumblr.com/post/112988885929/phanaton
http://www.pandius.com/phanaton.html
http://www.pandius.com/phan_3e.html
Mixed weakness and 1 advance will give the same stat line for only 2 RP.
Unless my copy of the ARG is wrong normal speed is a no cost racial trait even for small creatures.
Mixed weakness and 1 advance will give the same stat line for only 2 RP.
Unless my copy of the ARG is wrong normal speed is a no cost racial trait even for small creatures.
so it would be 6 points cheaper?
so it would be 6 points cheaper?Mixed weakness and 1 advance will give the same stat line for only 2 RP.
Unless my copy of the ARG is wrong normal speed is a no cost racial trait even for small creatures.
yes
yesso it would be 6 points cheaper?Mixed weakness and 1 advance will give the same stat line for only 2 RP.
Unless my copy of the ARG is wrong normal speed is a no cost racial trait even for small creatures.
thanks for that catch. I missed that.
Okay, now i need to figure out where to place everything on the map.
Are you planning on only having certain classes available? To me many classes don't fit a stone age setting.
Are you planning on only having certain classes available? To me many classes don't fit a stone age setting.
Absolutely. I think the list allowed should at least include the following:
Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Bloodrager, Brawler, Druid, Fighter, Hunter, Oracle, Ranger, Rogue, Shaman, Skald, Slayer, Sorcerer, and Witch.
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Alchemist seems like the only one that doesn't belong - I consider the alchemist more modern than a wizard, almost a scientist, which to me is the opposite of a stone age culture. Witches brew potions too, if that's your reasoning.
Alchemist seems like the only one that doesn't belong - I consider the alchemist more modern than a wizard, almost a scientist, which to me is the opposite of a stone age culture. Witches brew potions too, if that's your reasoning.
I agree with this. Otherwise the list posted seems good.
Boom goes the Alchemist... You're right about the witch, though. I forgot about their brew potions.
http://i.imgur.com/C5ijEG5.png
Okay, here's where the first six villages are placed. I still need to work out all the details, though...
It's very interesting. Your map has a 1 mile = 2.5 pixel ratio. The villages are all within about 10 miles of one another except the two further along the lake which are more like 13 or 14 miles apart from the others.
What sort of details are you looking to include?
Also did you look at any of the variants for the phanatons I provided?
The 15 RP one seems closest to the various entries you provided. Of course, if you went with standard racial traits (either -2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Wis or +2 Dex, -2 Int, +2 Wis) it could be four points cheaper, making it well within the range of most standard races.
It's very interesting. Your map has a 1 mile = 2.5 pixel ratio. The villages are all within about 10 miles of one another except the two further along the lake which are more like 13 or 14 miles apart from the others.
What sort of details are you looking to include?
Also did you look at any of the variants for the phanatons I provided?
The 15 RP one seems closest to the various entries you provided. Of course, if you went with standard racial traits (either -2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Wis or +2 Dex, -2 Int, +2 Wis) it could be four points cheaper, making it well within the range of most standard races.
The only thing about RP 15 is the fact that they shouldn't be humanoids.
'Monstrous humanoids are similar to humanoids, but with monstrous or animalistic features. They often have magical abilities as well.'
mine is at RP 17, which isn't bad. I dont feel too bad about the CR+1.
I will note that the srd mentions the climb speed being 20 ft., not 30 ft.
It's very interesting. Your map has a 1 mile = 2.5 pixel ratio. The villages are all within about 10 miles of one another except the two further along the lake which are more like 13 or 14 miles apart from the others.
What sort of details are you looking to include?
Thanks for the measurement, do you think its a good scale to work with? It seems fair that each village be far enough apart that their hunting grounds are not overlapping much.
I wanted to fully stat out each of those villages. Each village should have a few notable figures with specific training and skills. Some local problems that need assistance or questing.
Naturally I need to focus on one in specific, because all the players will be from that village.
Phanaton Village 1
Kanoa Village
While the Kanoa Village is quite near a major game trail, it is built high in a dense canopy which provides some measure of safety from most of the land-based dinosaurs. The Phanaton have weaved a dense net of camouflage to disguise their village from the sides and below, creating the illusion of nothing being built above in the trees but dense canopy. However, despite all their defenses, the threat of airborne or climbing predators is still very real.
The community works together to the best of its ability to be always on watch, while working in shifts. They attempt to use all of their combined assets to combat any creatures or problems that threaten their community.
Kanoa Village
NG village
Corruption –1; Crime –2; Economy –5; Law –4; Lore +0; Society –4
Qualities Insular, Untamed
Danger +20; Disadvantages Hunted
When rolling for random encounters within the settlement, instead of using an urban random encounter chart solely, alternate between the urban encounter chart and the wilderness encounter chart (or chart) most appropriate to the surrounding terrain. The settlement's Danger rating applies to both encounter charts.
Demographics
Government autocracy (Chief)
Population 76 (Phanaton)
Notable NPCs
Tribal Chieftain Lilo (NG female Phanaton hunter 4)
Soothsayer Kalei (LG male Phanaton oracle 3)
Shaman Keona (CG male Phanaton shaman 5)
Marketplace
Base Value 500 gp; Purchase Limit 2500 gp; Spellcasting 3rd
Minor Items 2d4; Medium Items 1d4; Major Items —
The only thing about RP 15 is the fact that they shouldn't be humanoids.
'Monstrous humanoids are similar to humanoids, but with monstrous or animalistic features. They often have magical abilities as well.'
mine is at RP 17, which isn't bad. I dont feel too bad about the CR+1.
I will note that the srd mentions the climb speed being 20 ft., not 30 ft.
I know, but Catfolk, Kobolds, Ratfolk, and Tengu are all animalistic humanoids with the appropriate subtype. Most monstrous humanoids tend to have magical abilities or, lacking those, seem to have extra limbs or are just considered nasty overall. None of the entries you shared indicate the phanatons are like that at all. Plus I could only find low-light vision mentioned, not darkvision (which goes with the monstrous humanoid type).
Thanks for the measurement, do you think its a good scale to work with? It seems fair that each village be far enough apart that their hunting grounds are not overlapping much.
I wanted to fully stat out each of those villages. Each village should have a few notable figures with specific training and skills. Some local problems that need assistance or questing.
Naturally I need to focus on one in specific, because all the players will be from that village.
It seems fine to me, as long as you remember it. The distances are close enough that most of them will be easily able to trade (a walk speed of 30 means being able to cover a distance of 24 miles in one day - the only two that couldn't trade directly by land are the ones on opposite sides of the lake). The two villages near the base of the lake where the rivers come out will likely be hubs of trade since they're both about halfway between.
To me, it seems likely there will be rooftop roadways of some sort. I'm curious if you think there are basic canoes for going on the lake to fish and trade.
Kanoa Village
While the Kanoa Village is quite near a major game trail, it is built high in a dense canopy which provides some measure of safety from most of the land-based dinosaurs. The Phanaton have weaved a dense net of camouflage to disguise their village from the sides and below, creating the illusion of nothing being built above in the trees but dense canopy. However, despite all their defenses, the threat of airborne or climbing predators is still very real.
The community works together to the best of its ability to be always on watch, while working in shifts. They attempt to use all of their combined assets to combat any creatures or problems that threaten their community.
Kanoa Village
NG village
Corruption –1; Crime –2; Economy –5; Law –4; Lore +0; Society –4
Qualities Insular, Untamed
Danger +20; Disadvantages Hunted
When rolling for random encounters within the settlement, instead of using an urban random encounter chart solely, alternate between the urban encounter chart and the wilderness encounter chart (or chart) most appropriate to the surrounding terrain. The settlement's Danger rating applies to both encounter charts.Demographics
Government autocracy (Chief)
Population 76 (Phanaton)Notable NPCs
Tribal Chieftain Lilo (NG female Phanaton hunter 4)
Soothsayer Kalei (LG male Phanaton oracle 3)
Shaman Keona (CG male Phanaton shaman 5)Marketplace
Base Value 500 gp; Purchase Limit 2500 gp; Spellcasting 3rd
Minor Items 2d4; Medium Items 1d4; Major Items —
Hmm, the entry you provide says they have 3d10×10 adult members plus an additional 25% of that number in offspring. The minimum adult population would be 30 and the maximum would be 300. There would be an additional 7.5 to 75 kits. So a total village population would be 37 to 375. For your village, then, there would be about 60 adults and 15 kits (with one additional member that could be either). That's assuming they're not all adults now since kits only stay that way for six months. It's a little confusing, actually, that there should be an additional 25% of offspring at any time given how short a time they stay that way...
Your base value should be 400 gp not 500 since there's a reduction of 20% due to being hunted. Probably you could role or decide the exact number and nature of the minor and medium items. I'd argue that there should be at least three medium items, one each for Lilo, Kaalei, and Keona. They probably each have one or two minor items as well and might share these minor items with whoever's leading a particular patrol.
Do you want to detail all the villagers and their roles or just focus on the major ones?
Also, you'll want to work with your players to determine relationships within this village. It's small enough that they're almost certainly related to most (if not all) of the other villagers somehow.
While I might include an inset map (a thumbnail in the corner of a map page that shows the scale (with all your islands included) you've set for your map, I tend to create maps of much closer scale - like one isle per page. I also use vector software (Xara Photo & Graphic Designer which is similar to Illustrator) and not an image editor (Photoshop/GIMP) as you're using which is not limited in resolution. In vector when I create a map pixels mean absolutely nothing, until I export the file at completion. The same map design can export to multiple resolution. I'd rather work closer to 1 inch to a mile, rather than 2.5 pixels per mile, which can't really show much detail (I like detail).
Then, of course, I'd create the village map that the PCs are from as a much closer scale map (1 inch = 100 feet)
Of course I do RPG mapping professionally - I created the original hand-drawn map of the City of Kasai for the Jade Regent AP, and many completed third party publisher maps (EN Publishing, Legendary Games, Stormbunny Studios, FASA Games, Rite Publishing, Purple Duck Games, etc.)
Because your map goes a completely different way than I design (let alone the difference in software), I can't really give you advise.
You did say "first six villages" so I'm already guessing you're imagining more than six Phanaton villages, but one thing I thought I'd mention is that when plotting their villages/distribution on the island(s) to keep in mind the idea of minimum viable population.
This is a bare minimum, tho, and for species like chimpanzees and orangutans we're talking hundreds of thousands of individuals alive even after modern population depletion.....
Correct. There has to be dozens of other villages and a fair number of larger settlements (cities and such). The total population of living Phanatons should be around ten thousand. They live short and dangerous lives, though. High birth rates keep the population up, but the constant threats and dangers have led to an extremely high mortality rate.
For example, and you may already be familiar with the concept, but the smaller the society, the more valuable experts are because if an expert in any given area dies that could mean the sudden loss of generations of knowledge. New experts can only be trained so fast.
That makes the idea of "quest givers" itself especially realistic in this setting. Traveling a long way just to speak to one person to gain their knowledge on a situation could be vital, and the fact that the heroes of the story may be the only people on the island capable of going out and...
I'm vaguely familiar with that concept. I want to limit a village to three to five important figures, which each offer a number of quests based on the situation and standing of the party.
gamer-printer:
No problem.
I'm no professional map maker. I'm still learning the software in my free time. An editor software would be nice, but I have no experience with it, nor do I know anything about it.
I worked out which weapons would be allowed. I'm working on Armor now.
A lot of it needs to be condensed and refined, but its a start.