complete Manaia "Manny" Whakatere, Ship's Carpenter, Harpooner, Trusted Deckhand

[8w_gremlin]

"A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor, nor does an easy fight make a true warrior."

Status: "Complete"

Basics

• Name: Manaia "Manny" Whakatere - "Messenger of the spirits who navigates."
  (a "Manaia" is a messenger between the earthly world and the spirit realm.
  Whakatere pronounced FAK-a-te-re)

• Gender: Male

• Race: Human, (Fae Heritage), Andaron: Crendu

• Class(es): Warrior 4, Barbarian 3, Expert 2 || Rogue 3, Expert 2, Warrior 2, Spellcaster 1, Abjurant Champion 1

• Alignment: Neutral Good (conflicting issues of Good, with some odd thoughts)

• Role: Defender, Striker, Troubleshooter

• Office: Ship's Carpenter (shipbuilder), Harpooner, Trusted Deckhand

• Tribe: Tohorā Wairua (Ghost whale)

Appearance

"I met a man today whose very presence commanded the room. He was like a walking fortress, tattoos of ancient lore etched into his skin, a story in every line. His gaze was piercing, almost as sharp as the spear he carried—a harpooner by trade, judging by the formidable weapon and the predatory grace in his stance.
He spoke little, but his words carried the weight of oceans, each phrase imbued with the wisdom of the waves and the ferocity of the storms he's weathered. 'A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor, nor does an easy fight make a true warrior,' he said, his voice a rumble like distant thunder. He wore his scars like medals, and the necklace of beastly claws around his neck hinted at a life spent in the relentless pursuit of the mightiest quarries. Truly, he was not merely a man; he was a force of nature, an embodiment of the wild, untamed spirit of the hunt."

Personality

This seasoned harpooner interacts with others with a grounded sense of authority and respect. He listens more than he speaks, choosing his words with deliberate care, and his deep, resonant voice often carries tales of the sea. In conversation, he values honesty and directness, disliking subterfuge or unnecessary embellishment. His likes are simple yet profound: the solidarity of his crew, the challenge of the hunt, and the respect of his peers. He holds a particular fondness for the open sea and finds solace in the solitude it offers.

He dislikes cowardice and has little patience for those who do not pull their weight. His quirks include meticulously maintaining his spear, often seen running a whetstone along its edge while deep in thought. He has a habit of looking to the horizon as if always contemplating the next challenge, and when pleased, a rare smile cracks his otherwise stern demeanour. He has a superstition about the sea, often seen touching a specific talisman on his necklace before embarking on a hunt, believing it brings good fortune from the spirits of the deep.

Background

Manaia's history is as turbulent as the tempestuous waters he so often navigates. Born to the sea-faring people of the distant archipelago close to Crendu, his life was always one bound to the ebb and flow of the tides. He grew up on the decks of long canoes, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, learning the moods of the sea. The ocean was his mentor, its lessons harsh but fair, and from it, Manaia gleaned the skills of navigation and the spirit of a warrior. His name whispered with fear and reverence along the coasts of his homeland, became synonymous with the mythical Manaia, the guardian that connects the earthly world with the spirits.

When the Great War erupted, the waves of conflict lapped at the shores of Crendu, and Manaia found himself drawn into the tides of change. His prowess in maritime skirmishes caught the eye of many a captain, and tales of his battles against the Iverinans became the stuff of bard stories in Queenston's alehouses. But as war waned, so did the need for warriors, and Manaia's life took on the stillness of a becalmed sea. That is until the day the privateers came calling. The once small town of Ostmouth, now bustling with the trade of a thriving port city, needed a man who could navigate not only the waters but the perilous politics of a city born from war's necessity.

The offer was a lifeline, pulling him from the brink of obscurity. Manaia, with his knowledge of the sea's treachery and his experience with the lower river's newly wrought dangers, was an invaluable asset. As the city of Queenston—or Kingston, depending on the reigning monarch—continued its eternal struggle with identity, Manaia found a new purpose. He stood on the docks of Ostmouth, looking out at the Ost river's treacherous currents, a privateer once more, the horizon wide and uncertain before him. The city behind him buzzed with the life of trade and reconstruction, a stark contrast to the quiet, deadly waters he knew so well. Here, in the flux between land and sea, Manaia would carve out his new destiny, as ever, guided by the winds of change.
 

Plot hooks (nothing to see here)

Contacts

Nalani, the Sea Whisperer: Nalani is a formidable sea fae, celebrated amongst her kin as the Sea Whisperer for her exceptional ability to commune with the ocean's denizens and manipulate its currents. Her life is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the elemental magic of water and the fae magic that flows through her being. As Manaia's great-great-grandmother, Nalani is a living embodiment of their shared heritage, her wisdom and capabilities a beacon for him as he navigates his own path. Despite her elusive nature, she occasionally makes contact with Manaia, offering guidance, support, and insight into the mysteries of their lineage. Nalani's profound knowledge of ancient fae magic and her deep connection to the sea's essence provide Manaia with a direct link to the arcane and elemental forces he seeks to master. Her continued presence in the world offers not just inspiration but tangible aid in his journey to understand the breadth of his powers and the responsibilities they entail.

Old Shaman - Tane Mahuta: Tane Mahuta is a revered shaman known for his deep connection with the natural and spiritual worlds. With a wealth of knowledge on ancient rituals, fae lore, and elemental magics, he serves as Manaia's mentor and spiritual guide. Tane is an information contact who provides Manaia with insights into his sea fae heritage and arcane wisdom that aids in unlocking his latent powers. His guidance is instrumental in navigating the complexities of merging Manaia's ship-building ideas with traditional maritime practices.

Captain Lirael Windrunner: Captain Lirael Windrunner is a seasoned privateer known for her unmatched skill at the helm and her extensive network of contacts across the high seas and port cities. As an influence contact, she offers Manaia access to rare goods, clandestine information, and the support of her loyal crew. Lirael's reputation and connections can open doors for Manaia that would otherwise remain closed, aiding in the acquisition of materials for his ship-building ideas or providing a safe harbour in times of need.

Maika'i, the Merchant Prince: Maika'i is a wealthy and influential trader specializing in exotic artefacts and ancient relics, with a particular interest in magical items that defy conventional understanding. As an information and influence contact, Maika'i can provide Manaia with rare components necessary for his magical endeavours. His vast network of trade routes and contacts throughout the islands and beyond makes him an invaluable ally in Manaia's quest to challenge the prevailing magical norms and procure the resources needed for his revolutionary shipbuilding project.

Edited March 15 by 8w_gremlin (see edit history)

[8w_gremlin]

@dalamb Initial outline, basic character sheet done, equipment needs to be worked on.
I hope I've got all the right rules in place. The character sheet is at https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/?id=2885758

I've been using a Google Doc to build the character out. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E1ldJl2hCbDTm3e0bnyK1KiJoeOdu2lp1HH8CSIh8jI/edit?usp=sharing if you're interested in seeing it.

Thanks for creating this world, for me to build a character in.

Edited March 5 by 8w_gremlin (see edit history)

[8w_gremlin]

@dalamb is ready for review, I need to do the equipment, but am working on that in the spreadsheet.
What happens now?

[Nameless Void]

Hey mate, hate to hijack your thread.. are you from Aotearoa? Alot of Tangata Whenua in this character

[8w_gremlin]

I am, Kia Ora, just learning Te Rao and learning more and more, and wanted to see more representation.

[Nameless Void]

Kia Ora mate, good to see another Kiwi and really cool to see some of our wonderful culture on display. I'm learning Te Reo as well, got young kids and am encouraging them to embrace our culture (not Maori but I appreciate it as special to our land). Good luck on both the learning and for the game :)

[8w_gremlin]

@dalamb finished including equipment.