Rarohenga - The Underworld!

[CharlesRobinson]

Rarohenga - The Underworld

This is a companion map to the continental map of Nga-Whenuatoto. It maps out the underworld that exists far beneath the upper realms of Nga-Whenuatoto and is loosely based off of Maori mythology
Built for ProFantasy's Community Atlas Project for the world of Nibirum.
Thanks to Remy Monsen for allowing me to use part of the world map to make the map's sea bed.

Here is the link that shows the process: http://forum.profantasy.com/comments...ID=7029&page=1
Here is the link to the Community Atlas Project: http://atlas.monsen.cc/
Here is the link to Nga-Whenuatoto: https://www.cartographersguild.com/a...chmentid=93149

[CharlesRobinson]

Makeatuatara

This small realm is named after Makeatuatara. He is the god that is the gatekeeper and the guardian of the Rarohenga. Makeatutara failed in his magic resulting in mankind remaining mortal and as such, his people are condemned to guard the entrance to Rarohenga. In addition, they have lost their magic and must trust to their superior warrior skills only. They live within two mighty towers where the sea flows from Hatana above and a temple complex on an island along the edge of the Sea of Punga. This is one of the few places where one can be safe within the underworld of Rarohenga; at least for as long as its people can hold off the deformed taniwha (monsters) of Punga.


The Sea of Punga

The saltwater sea is named after Punga. He is the god of all deformed and ugly things. The Sea of Punga was formed when two great serpents of the earth dug into the upper world releasing Hatana (demons and evil spirits) upon mankind. It is said that these two serpents still dwell within the Sea of Punga. Punga is inhabited by many deformed and ugly taniwha (monsters) and the followers of Makeatuatara and the taniwha of Punga war against each other.

[CharlesRobinson]

Kohu

Kohu is a land of mist, fire, and jungles. The lifeblood of Mahuika flows from the Fire Sea, through the lands of the mist (Kohu) and eventually disappears within the Sea of Punga. Several rivers flow down into this underground valley and into the river of lava resulting in the mists that shrouds this realm. Between the heat and the moisture, the terrain is lush with plant life. Taniwha (monsters) of many kinds infest these lands.

[CharlesRobinson]

The Fire Sea of Mahuika

This sea of lava and its island is named after Mahuika, the goddess of fire. It is said to be her dwelling place within Rarohenga. This land is way too hot and dangerous to explore without protective magic though. As such, nobody really knows what lays within this realm. According to legend, the demi-god Maui was able to retrieve fire from Mahuika and in turn gave it to mankind.

[CharlesRobinson]

The Realms of Nga-Manawa

There are five great tribes of people that inhabit the highlands of Nga-Manawa. They are said to be the decedents of Mahuika’s five sons and are known as the fire children. It is said that the people here are very pale (almost white), have long flowing red hair, wear black cloaks and have pointed ears. Some scholars believe that they may be the kin of elves or some other form of fey. They are neither pure good nor evil, but are like mankind. They feud against each other from time to time and they trade with the small realm of Kui. They are divided into five tribes: Takonui, Takoroa, Manawa, Mapere, and Toiti. The land is mostly open, covered with rock, beds of moss, and scattered groves of giant mushroom forests. The fire children in scattered villages throughout the highlands.

[CharlesRobinson]

The Great Mushroom Forests of Haumia

This great forest is named after Haumia-tiketike (or simply Haumia). He is the god of wild or uncultivated foods. Long ago, he faced the wrath of Tāwhirimātea, the god of storms. His mother, Papa the earth goddess, hid him within this realm. When he was later found by Tu the god of war, Haumia returned to the realms above. But, it is said that he left caretakers to guard the great mushroom forests, just in case he ever needed to return.

[CharlesRobinson]

The Sea of Maru

This is a fresh water sea and is named after Maru, the god of streams and rivers. He is also a god of war along with the god named Tu. Trade exists between Nga-Manawa, Kui, and some of the inhabitants of Papa. But, the trading boats stick to the northern shore when crossing the Sea of Maru, for to the south is the land of the red mushroom forests and the fierce raiders known as the Haungaroa.

[CharlesRobinson]

Kui

This small realm is named after Kui, the chthonic demi-goddess of homesteads. Kui lives in this small realm where she rules over the city of Tuputupuwhenua which is named after her now dead husband. It is a light in the darkness and a safe haven for all travelers within Rarohenga. It is the only city size settlement within these lands and has many villages, groves of giant mushrooms, and gardens. There is also a large tower that stands watch above the winding path that leads up the cliffs into the realm of Kui. The city is also known as the City of the Gods.

[CharlesRobinson]

Papa

This is the largest of the realms of Rarohenga. It is named after Papatuanuku, the primordial earth mother. She is more affectionately known as Papa. Too many races dwell here to name them all. They are both good and evil. Although many waterways exist within the Rarohenga, with water coming from both above and below, the lands of Papa are dry and rocky with only small patches of lichen, moss, and giant mushrooms here and there. The landscape is dominated by giant spires, some of which serve as nesting grounds or even settlements. The only source of fresh water here is the sole river that drains the Sea of Maru. The races that live here must fight one another for what few resources that do exist. One must be well rationed and armed to travel these lands.

[CharlesRobinson]

Tute-Wehiwehi

This realm is named after Tute-Wehiwehi, the father of all lizardkind. The inhabitants of this realm are the taniwha (monsters) that where created by Tute-Wehiwehi in the old war against Tāwhirimātea, the god of storms. The land is scattered with tough thorny trees, marshes, and rock. There are many rivers of fresh water within these lands.