Ponturi

Ponturi, A History...

Ponturi take homage and adaptation from the Ponaturi in Māori mythology. Ponaturi were goblin-like creatures that lived beneath the waves of the sea near coral structures by day, and returned to shore at night to sleep. It was said that direct sunlight without the sea’s protection would be fatal to them, similar to the effects on vampirism. They were regarded as having red hair, white skin, and long and pointy, evil-looking claws.

In SURGE!, we loved the notion that there were these mythological creatures that were highly intelligent, organized, and not just some kind of stereotypical Mer-people. So we removed the malevolent aspects of Ponaturi, and replaced them with more human-like qualities and traditional Māori ceremonies. Since we weren’t making a direct reference, we took the ‘a’ out from the name which left us with what felt like an original name for a unique and original species.

Anatomy

Ponturi have pointed ears, slightly blue tinted skin and hair, and can breathe on land and in water. On  occasion, Ponturi who spend more time out of their preferred habitat in the coral reef may have slightly darker, almost green skin, and may have developed red or black hair. Ponturi have slightly rigid torsos, their skeletal structure pushing against the skin which in turn pushes the water away from their bodies when they swim. This creates a vacuum in the small pocket surfaces behind these external ridges in the skin made of air, which combust and push the Ponturi along at higher speeds in water environments. Ponturi can adapt to both clear and salt water conditions. Ponturi have webbing between their fingers and toes which may be retracted. This allows them to either swim well in water, or adapt greatly for when traversing on land.

Ponturi do not need water to survive, but prolonged  periods out of water (usually 3-4 weeks out of water) lead to epidermal dryness, flaking scale-like skin from their shoulders and knees, and general discomfort. Many Ponturi carry water with them wherever they go to renew their skin.

Culture

Ponturi live in tribes called Lāhui and are typically found near shallow bodies of water, among reef systems. Ponturi are very spiritually driven societies, praying to spirit guides for  guidance and justifications in their daily lives.

Ponturi are typically nocturnal creatures and are found tending to their reef systems at night and sleeping on land during the day. This has forced them to evolve, allowing them to see well during the day and even better at night.

Ponturi leadership is chosen by tribal Elders.  The Elders are the record keepers of the tribe, passing down their lore and traditions through stories and parables.

Behaviors

Ponturi characters will often dress in light clothing, as environments permit. This is because lighter clothing often dries faster if they have been in water. They are also typically adorned with jewelry made of bones of aquatic animals such as tusks and teeth. The only exception to this is the piece of dried coral they carry with them, that is in the shape of their spirit guide. While in their homelands, they may not always carry these talismans, but will not leave home without them. They are considered both a Holy Relic and a Common Trinket.

Ponturi will always leave hats and shoes off when entering a personal abode as they believe that they are protected by different spirits as two separate realms: the outside protected by spirits of war, and the inside protected by spirits of peace.

Although not typically seen outside of Lāhui territories, traditional greetings consist of a firm right-handed handshake, and simultaneously pressing slightly tilted foreheads together. This is known as the “shared breath”.

Ponturi Stats

Creature Size

Medium

Default Trait

Each Ponturi character begins with +1 to Intelligence.

Chosen Trait

The Chosen Trait for a Ponturi is a selection made at the time the character is created.  

At a Ponturi character’s coming-of-age ceremony (usually at 15 years of age), they perform a blood ritual in a bowl which allows Ponturi to find the spirit guide they have an  affinity for.  The child spills blood from their hand into the bowl, and an Elder interprets the pattern left in the bowl by tossing it with coral from their Lāhui territories. One of the following may be chosen to represent a Ponturi character’s spiritual guide:

• The Manta Ray

  • • +1 to the Culture Skill Score

• The Porpoise

  • • +1 to the Medicine Skill Score

• The Serpent

  • • +1 to the Marksmanship Skill Score

• The Whale

  • • +1 to the Memory Skill Score

Movement Speed

A Ponturi character’s Movement Speed is standardly 10 ft. per action.  Ponturi do not take a penalty to movement speeds when swimming in water, but must be fully submerged to take this advantage.

Base Health Points

When determining the starting HP of a Ponturi character, the rolled amount will always be added to 7 Base Hit Points.

Recovery Points

A Ponturi character’s Recovery Points is standardly +1 HP.

Menace

The Ponturi Playable Species does not provide any menace for choosing it.  The default value for a Ponturi character’s Menace score is 0. Menace rules for equipment still apply.