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Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
jedipiiman
May 17, 2009 0:18:55 Sorry for the name but I needed a name for a thread that wouldnt give any hints to my players about what its about.

Justin Caser and Others DONT READ THIS

Alright so here is why I made this thread. I am doing a campaign with the setting of an island world. I want each island to be unique in its own way and I after the first couple I ran out of ideas.

So if possible if you could share any ideas that you think would make a good location or just a cool thought. Im just trying to get something new with the islands besides just the type of monsters that inhabit the islands.

Something besides combat so the session just dosent turn into a hack and slash.

Thank you for your help
#2
Kalnaur
May 17, 2009 2:42:16
Sorry for the name but I needed a name for a thread that wouldnt give any hints to my players about what its about.

Justin Caser and Others DONT READ THIS

Alright so here is why I made this thread. I am doing a campaign with the setting of an island world. I want each island to be unique in its own way and I after the first couple I ran out of ideas.

So if possible if you could share any ideas that you think would make a good location or just a cool thought. Im just trying to get something new with the islands besides just the type of monsters that inhabit the islands.

Something besides combat so the session just dosent turn into a hack and slash.

Thank you for your help

I know I'll be killed for this, but all I can think of are the themed lands of Super Mario Bros and the like. A desert world, a water world, an ice world, a fire world, etc.
#3
calronmoonflower
May 17, 2009 2:52:21 You could also use island that floats in the sky.
#4
Kensan_Oni
May 17, 2009 11:49:47 Look up the Cartoon Series 'The Pirates of Dark Water' by Hanna Barbara. It can help quite a bit.

As just for some ideas...

Locals rever a local falls, that ritually they will climb to the top off and dive through the mists to the waters below. Occasionally as they fall, some will be choosen and disappear.

A rare flower, who's seed is worth ten times it's weight in gold, grows upon an island where Alchemist Guilds bargin for greater rights to the flower then the Cheif allows.

Travelling minstrals travel from volcano to volcano, performing and warning of the doom that will envelop all in the cloak of fire, and that the day is coming.

Sea Dragons Egg Shells are found on this one deserted island. One day, they will return to start the cycle all over again.

... and I think that'll do for now.
#5
Seeker95
May 17, 2009 11:59:30
(Is)Land of the Lost -- dinosaurs.
An island of only plant predators. No animals.
An island populated with a civilized <>.
Island of Dr. Moreau (shifters, changelings, and other beastie-folk).
#6
Webster
May 17, 2009 12:01:40 Fantasy Island, where your wishes come true. Be careful what you wish for.

"Smiles, everyone! Smiles!"
#7
sbloyd
May 17, 2009 21:52:28 Skull Island?
#8
thakowsaizmu
May 17, 2009 22:29:35 Generic responce.
#9
gamerprinter
May 17, 2009 22:30:30 A few years back I went to Hawaii on vacation. Since I big into folklore and legends, I made a concerted effort to learn Hawaiian mythology while I was there.

Perhaps you're not looking for tropical islands, but this may be worth reading.

Among several things I learned:

1. Each of the main islands of Hawaii were considered separate planes of existence to the Hawaiian people. Though they were certainly aware of the other islands of the chain, because they could seldom be viewed even at the horizon (since distances between them are 20 to 80 miles apart) - they were considered "other worlds" by the locals.

2. Hawaii has its own version of brownies, called Menehune. These were peoples believed to have come to Hawaii, before the Samoans and other south Pacific islanders who settled here before the coming of civilization (Capt. Cook). The Menehune were a diminuitive people who dwelled apart from the other islanders and were very much barbarians living in the high mountain valleys towards the center of each island. They were skilled at building constructions of unmortared rock - damns, fish ponds (attached to the sides of existing rivers so fisherman can toss live catches in an enclosed pool for later easy retrieval), etc. Local Hawaiian chiefs sent those among his people who knew how to contact them and would "contract" them to building tasks, payment being a single Opae (fresh water prawn) for each menehune. Once they start a project they would work for 24 hours only and if the job was not completed, they would not spend one minute more in the process, that was just the luck of the project. Hundreds would come from the mountains each carrying a single stone from the highlands to the building site, while "constructors" at the site would build from the stones. Several ancient Hawaiian constructions still exist attributed to menehune construction.

3. Although they had many gods (Pele, etc.) each village or tribe would give honor to only one of those gods as their village or nation god. The people, somewhat like the Japanese, had family/ancestor spirits that would protect each individual family (called aumakua). Often they would appear to their specific families as: sharks, tiny tropical owls, other birds, butterflies and other generally indigenous animals of the isles. They would also appear as the wind, the rain and other natural phenomena, that the family would still recognize as representing their particular aumakua.

4. In Hawaii, the rocks have spirits in them (boy this sounds like Ki to me.) One does not move a rock from its resting location without appropriate prayers given, as curses were often placed on those who moved them without "their permission." A large number of bizzare tales surround rocks that were moved without permission leading to all kinds of tragedy.

5. Hawaiian culture very much believed in ghosts and many types were available in their culture. Often beautiful Hawaiian princesses (ghosts) would appear, when one was in a precarious position - walking on a ledge on a mountain seeking specific flowers, animals, herbs to be gathered for various purposes. The spirit would appear and call your name, if you responded often you'd step towards them and fall off the ledge to your death.

6. Related to war efforts between Hawaiian Kings, there were "roads" or paths that cut across the islands, now called "Night Runner paths" where long lines of spear bearing troops would follow to reach other villages for war. Today, many stories relate to houses built on these "paths" that incur nightly passing of Hawaiian tribal troops running through a house, as they pass along the paths to an unknown destination. It is still believed today.

7. Strangely, the Japanese were readily accepted into Hawaiian society, moreso than Europeans/Americans who came before them, as much of Japanese religion, spiritual beliefs, ghosts and other cultural elements seemed to already exist in Hawaii. Many specifically Japanese ghosts and fey beings have now become indigenous Hawaiian spirits and fey, including Kappa, Tengu and a whole variety of Yurei ghosts.

8. There were many kinds of taboo in Hawaii, if broken, meant you were marked for death. For example a particular grove of banana trees near a chieften's home might be considered the "temple" for a particular god or aumakua spirit of the chief's family. All members of that King's village were required to give honor, by dropping prostrate to the ground as one passed by such a "holy grove". If one was caught not observing the proper prostrate respect by another, that person was now marked for death. Anyone siting one of these afflicted individuals was required by law to slay them on sight. However, specific "heiau" holy sites where Hawaiian priests resided were considered safe ground from such retribution. If a person identified as marked for death passed by a group of individuals who now were in pursuit of them for slaying, could run and reach the holy grounds of that Heiau, they were safe from attack. Once within a priest could perform rites to remove the broken taboo curse on that individual staying overnight, would be cleansed of the incident and freely removed from mark of death.

Interesting stuff, but probably not what you were looking for, but maybe enjoyed it, and could be inspiring for use in a D&D game.

GP
#10
turtlshellz
May 18, 2009 1:36:47 The Kingdom of the Necromancers:
A distant, but large island is the home of two necromancers. In the past they created a terrible plague that wiped out the population of the island nearly overnight. Now all that is left is an island of ruins inhabited by the undead with the two necromancers lording over it all. Perhaps the necromancers are now fighting for control of the island? The ruler of this land was immune from the disease (or escaped prior to being infeced perhaps) and fled, abandoning his (or her) people to their fates. If this happened in the distant past then the necromancers may yet still live on as undead themselves. The former ruler still lives on until he attains redemption for his act of cowardice. If it happened just recently then the ruler may be looking for revenge. Inspired by Clark Ashton Smith

Island of the Small: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/****_floresiensis
Believe it or not in our own world there were, a one time, the real life equivalents of the Hobbits, or Halflings so popular in Fantasy. Called **** Floriensisthey were discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores and may have lived until 12,000 years ago before going extinct. This is a starting place for an island setting for this reason: Creatures on isolated islands tend to develop smaller sizes as the generations go. They adapt to the environment they live in. On Flores there were dwarf elephants (called Stegodon) for example (about 300 pounds). An Isolated island that has had little or no contact with the outside world for generations may have a environment like this. Alternately it would be perfect for Gnome and/or halfling communities. Perhaps the miniature beasts are the creations of the settlements wizards and shamans and druids (or what have you).

Floating Land:
A little hackneyed perhaps but a legendary island is known as the Floating Land. This land, according to rumor and legend dissappears every once in awhile from the known world only to return generations later. There is said to be a civilization of strange beings on the island advanced in the ways of magic but fairly primitive by the standards of the Islands. They are also fearsome warriors that raid the Islands every time they come close taking food, captives (mostly women and children) back their island before it vanishes again. They are usually armed with obsidian swords and other gear similar to Aztec and Mayan societies. Perhaps the inhabitants of this island are Amazon warriors who capture grown men (use your imagination why) and girl children only.

Sky Island:
Thousands of years ago there lived a wizard whose might surpassed all others of his time (and many of the current date). He always valued his privacy but was constantly assaulted not only by those seeking to challenge him but by those wishing to become his apprentices. Having no desire to kill his rivals anymore and wishing to escape the potential apprentices he cast a mighty spell that tore his home from its base and hurled it into the sky. Much like the Floating Land this Sky Island is only rarely seen by the Islanders anymore. Borne aloft and carried hither and yon by the winds the island has finally returned. This time though a Wizard (?) has managed to create a magicla flying boat that will carry him to the island. The PC's are hired to escort the erstwhile explorer on his skyward romp.

There you go. Sorry for the length :P
#11
turtlshellz
May 18, 2009 5:59:58 Sorry, Calronmoonflower, I didnt realize I was stealing your island in the sky idea until just now. Sorry bout that.
#12
jedipiiman
May 19, 2009 13:33:20 Thanks for the help, it has given me a couple new idea's for where to send my players,

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 jedipiiman May 17, 2009 0:18:55	Sorry for the name but I needed a name for a thread that wouldnt give any hints to my players about what its about. Justin Caser and Others DONT READ THIS Alright so here is why I made this thread. I am doing a campaign with the setting of an island world. I want each island to be unique in its own way and I after the first couple I ran out of ideas. So if possible if you could share any ideas that you think would make a good location or just a cool thought. Im just trying to get something new with the islands besides just the type of monsters that inhabit the islands. Something besides combat so the session just dosent turn into a hack and slash. Thank you for your help
#2 Kalnaur May 17, 2009 2:42:16	Sorry for the name but I needed a name for a thread that wouldnt give any hints to my players about what its about. Justin Caser and Others DONT READ THIS Alright so here is why I made this thread. I am doing a campaign with the setting of an island world. I want each island to be unique in its own way and I after the first couple I ran out of ideas. So if possible if you could share any ideas that you think would make a good location or just a cool thought. Im just trying to get something new with the islands besides just the type of monsters that inhabit the islands. Something besides combat so the session just dosent turn into a hack and slash. Thank you for your help I know I'll be killed for this, but all I can think of are the themed lands of Super Mario Bros and the like. A desert world, a water world, an ice world, a fire world, etc.
#3 calronmoonflower May 17, 2009 2:52:21	You could also use island that floats in the sky.
#4 Kensan_Oni May 17, 2009 11:49:47	Look up the Cartoon Series 'The Pirates of Dark Water' by Hanna Barbara. It can help quite a bit. As just for some ideas... Locals rever a local falls, that ritually they will climb to the top off and dive through the mists to the waters below. Occasionally as they fall, some will be choosen and disappear. A rare flower, who's seed is worth ten times it's weight in gold, grows upon an island where Alchemist Guilds bargin for greater rights to the flower then the Cheif allows. Travelling minstrals travel from volcano to volcano, performing and warning of the doom that will envelop all in the cloak of fire, and that the day is coming. Sea Dragons Egg Shells are found on this one deserted island. One day, they will return to start the cycle all over again. ... and I think that'll do for now.
#5 Seeker95 May 17, 2009 11:59:30	(Is)Land of the Lost -- dinosaurs. An island of only plant predators. No animals. An island populated with a civilized <>. Island of Dr. Moreau (shifters, changelings, and other beastie-folk).
#6 Webster May 17, 2009 12:01:40	Fantasy Island, where your wishes come true. Be careful what you wish for. "Smiles, everyone! Smiles!"
#7 sbloyd May 17, 2009 21:52:28	Skull Island?
#8 thakowsaizmu May 17, 2009 22:29:35	Generic responce.
#9 gamerprinter May 17, 2009 22:30:30	A few years back I went to Hawaii on vacation. Since I big into folklore and legends, I made a concerted effort to learn Hawaiian mythology while I was there. Perhaps you're not looking for tropical islands, but this may be worth reading. Among several things I learned: 1. Each of the main islands of Hawaii were considered separate planes of existence to the Hawaiian people. Though they were certainly aware of the other islands of the chain, because they could seldom be viewed even at the horizon (since distances between them are 20 to 80 miles apart) - they were considered "other worlds" by the locals. 2. Hawaii has its own version of brownies, called Menehune. These were peoples believed to have come to Hawaii, before the Samoans and other south Pacific islanders who settled here before the coming of civilization (Capt. Cook). The Menehune were a diminuitive people who dwelled apart from the other islanders and were very much barbarians living in the high mountain valleys towards the center of each island. They were skilled at building constructions of unmortared rock - damns, fish ponds (attached to the sides of existing rivers so fisherman can toss live catches in an enclosed pool for later easy retrieval), etc. Local Hawaiian chiefs sent those among his people who knew how to contact them and would "contract" them to building tasks, payment being a single Opae (fresh water prawn) for each menehune. Once they start a project they would work for 24 hours only and if the job was not completed, they would not spend one minute more in the process, that was just the luck of the project. Hundreds would come from the mountains each carrying a single stone from the highlands to the building site, while "constructors" at the site would build from the stones. Several ancient Hawaiian constructions still exist attributed to menehune construction. 3. Although they had many gods (Pele, etc.) each village or tribe would give honor to only one of those gods as their village or nation god. The people, somewhat like the Japanese, had family/ancestor spirits that would protect each individual family (called aumakua). Often they would appear to their specific families as: sharks, tiny tropical owls, other birds, butterflies and other generally indigenous animals of the isles. They would also appear as the wind, the rain and other natural phenomena, that the family would still recognize as representing their particular aumakua. 4. In Hawaii, the rocks have spirits in them (boy this sounds like Ki to me.) One does not move a rock from its resting location without appropriate prayers given, as curses were often placed on those who moved them without "their permission." A large number of bizzare tales surround rocks that were moved without permission leading to all kinds of tragedy. 5. Hawaiian culture very much believed in ghosts and many types were available in their culture. Often beautiful Hawaiian princesses (ghosts) would appear, when one was in a precarious position - walking on a ledge on a mountain seeking specific flowers, animals, herbs to be gathered for various purposes. The spirit would appear and call your name, if you responded often you'd step towards them and fall off the ledge to your death. 6. Related to war efforts between Hawaiian Kings, there were "roads" or paths that cut across the islands, now called "Night Runner paths" where long lines of spear bearing troops would follow to reach other villages for war. Today, many stories relate to houses built on these "paths" that incur nightly passing of Hawaiian tribal troops running through a house, as they pass along the paths to an unknown destination. It is still believed today. 7. Strangely, the Japanese were readily accepted into Hawaiian society, moreso than Europeans/Americans who came before them, as much of Japanese religion, spiritual beliefs, ghosts and other cultural elements seemed to already exist in Hawaii. Many specifically Japanese ghosts and fey beings have now become indigenous Hawaiian spirits and fey, including Kappa, Tengu and a whole variety of Yurei ghosts. 8. There were many kinds of taboo in Hawaii, if broken, meant you were marked for death. For example a particular grove of banana trees near a chieften's home might be considered the "temple" for a particular god or aumakua spirit of the chief's family. All members of that King's village were required to give honor, by dropping prostrate to the ground as one passed by such a "holy grove". If one was caught not observing the proper prostrate respect by another, that person was now marked for death. Anyone siting one of these afflicted individuals was required by law to slay them on sight. However, specific "heiau" holy sites where Hawaiian priests resided were considered safe ground from such retribution. If a person identified as marked for death passed by a group of individuals who now were in pursuit of them for slaying, could run and reach the holy grounds of that Heiau, they were safe from attack. Once within a priest could perform rites to remove the broken taboo curse on that individual staying overnight, would be cleansed of the incident and freely removed from mark of death. Interesting stuff, but probably not what you were looking for, but maybe enjoyed it, and could be inspiring for use in a D&D game. GP
#10 turtlshellz May 18, 2009 1:36:47	The Kingdom of the Necromancers: A distant, but large island is the home of two necromancers. In the past they created a terrible plague that wiped out the population of the island nearly overnight. Now all that is left is an island of ruins inhabited by the undead with the two necromancers lording over it all. Perhaps the necromancers are now fighting for control of the island? The ruler of this land was immune from the disease (or escaped prior to being infeced perhaps) and fled, abandoning his (or her) people to their fates. If this happened in the distant past then the necromancers may yet still live on as undead themselves. The former ruler still lives on until he attains redemption for his act of cowardice. If it happened just recently then the ruler may be looking for revenge. Inspired by Clark Ashton Smith Island of the Small: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/**_floresiensis Believe it or not in our own world there were, a one time, the real life equivalents of the Hobbits, or Halflings so popular in Fantasy. Called Floriensisthey were discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores and may have lived until 12,000 years ago before going extinct. This is a starting place for an island setting for this reason: Creatures on isolated islands tend to develop smaller sizes as the generations go. They adapt to the environment they live in. On Flores there were dwarf elephants (called Stegodon) for example (about 300 pounds). An Isolated island that has had little or no contact with the outside world for generations may have a environment like this. Alternately it would be perfect for Gnome and/or halfling communities. Perhaps the miniature beasts are the creations of the settlements wizards and shamans and druids (or what have you). Floating Land: A little hackneyed perhaps but a legendary island is known as the Floating Land. This land, according to rumor and legend dissappears every once in awhile from the known world only to return generations later. There is said to be a civilization of strange beings on the island advanced in the ways of magic but fairly primitive by the standards of the Islands. They are also fearsome warriors that raid the Islands every time they come close taking food, captives (mostly women and children) back their island before it vanishes again. They are usually armed with obsidian swords and other gear similar to Aztec and Mayan societies. Perhaps the inhabitants of this island are Amazon warriors who capture grown men (use your imagination why) and girl children only. Sky Island: Thousands of years ago there lived a wizard whose might surpassed all others of his time (and many of the current date). He always valued his privacy but was constantly assaulted not only by those seeking to challenge him but by those wishing to become his apprentices. Having no desire to kill his rivals anymore and wishing to escape the potential apprentices he cast a mighty spell that tore his home from its base and hurled it into the sky. Much like the Floating Land this Sky Island** is only rarely seen by the Islanders anymore. Borne aloft and carried hither and yon by the winds the island has finally returned. This time though a Wizard (?) has managed to create a magicla flying boat that will carry him to the island. The PC's are hired to escort the erstwhile explorer on his skyward romp. There you go. Sorry for the length :P
#11 turtlshellz May 18, 2009 5:59:58	Sorry, Calronmoonflower, I didnt realize I was stealing your island in the sky idea until just now. Sorry bout that.
#12 jedipiiman May 19, 2009 13:33:20	Thanks for the help, it has given me a couple new idea's for where to send my players,