Ancient Aborigines
In the vast and unyielding landscape of Australia, over 50,000 years ago, lived the Ancient Aborigines, a complex and multifaceted people. These semi-nomadic hunters and foragers were not just survivors; they were masters of their arid environment, a harsh and inhospitable land that demanded resilience, ingenuity, and an intimate knowledge of the natural world.
Spread across the immense continent, the Aboriginal people were not a monolithic group but rather a tapestry of many distinct tribes, each with its own unique culture, customs, and social structures. Though they were widely separated by deserts, mountains, and vast stretches of bushland, they were connected by intricate trade routes and shared spiritual beliefs.
Their relationship with the divine was complex and fascinating, reflecting the diversity of the land they called home. While certain deities were revered across multiple tribes, forming a common spiritual thread, there were also many others that were peculiar to a specific tribe or region. These localized gods often embodied natural features or phenomena unique to that area, such as a particular animal, plant, or geological formation.
The Ancient Aborigines’ spiritual life was rich and multifaceted, permeating every aspect of their daily existence. Rituals, ceremonies, and sacred stories played a vital role in connecting them with the land and the cosmos, and these practices were as diverse as the landscape itself. The interplay between the universal and the particular in their spiritual beliefs mirrored the vastness of Australia and the specificity of each tribe’s homeland.
Their art, music, and oral traditions not only entertained but also conveyed profound wisdom, preserving their history and cosmology for future generations. The dances, songs, and paintings were more than mere expressions of creativity; they were the threads that wove together a society that thrived in a land that was both beautiful and brutal.
Through their deep connection with the land and their nuanced spiritual beliefs, the Ancient Aborigines of Australia forged a civilization that was both timeless and endlessly fascinating, a testament to human resilience and the power of culture to adapt, evolve, and endure.
Sky-Beings
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 20th Level HP: 300
In the boundless and ethereal realms of the Sky, hidden from mere mortal eyes, reside celestial beings of awe-inspiring grandeur and mystique. These extraordinary entities, though bearing the familiar shape of humans, stand as titans among men, their forms colossal and imbued with an elegance that transcends earthly comprehension.
Their sheer size is but a fraction of what sets them apart. These sky-dwellers are not merely gigantic in stature but are also bestowed with powers that defy the very laws of nature, abilities that can only be described as supernormal. Whether manipulating the elements, bending time, or conjuring illusions, their capabilities are as vast as the sky itself, and they wield them with a grace and mastery that leaves no room for doubt about their otherworldly origin.
Occasionally, driven by motives that are as enigmatic as they are, these celestial giants descend to Earth. Their visits are rare and fleeting, and to witness one is to be touched by the divine. Their presence resonates with an energy that vibrates through the very core of existence, and those fortunate enough to encounter them are forever changed.
Their interactions with our world are the stuff of legends and myths, tales passed down through generations, each one imbued with a sense of wonder and reverence. They are guardians, teachers, and sometimes even tricksters, their roles as varied as their powers.
These magnificent beings live at the intersection of reality and fantasy, a place where the mundane meets the miraculous. They are a testament to the human imagination’s capacity to conceive the inconceivable and a reminder that the universe is a place of endless possibility, where giants walk among the clouds, and the extraordinary lives just beyond the veil of the ordinary.
Daramulun – The All-Father
AC: 23 Abilities: Wizard 40th Level / Fighter 35th Level HP: 600
In the celestial hierarchy of the Sky-Beings, there resided a figure of immense importance and unparalleled power, known to some as Baiame, to others as Nurrundere, but most universally revered as Daramulun. His very name resonated with the fabric of creation, for he was the architect of the other Sky-Beings, the master sculptor who shaped them from the raw elements of existence.
Daramulun was no ordinary being; he was depicted as a tremendous man, a giant whose very presence dominated the sky. But what set him apart was not merely his size but a peculiar and awe-inspiring feature: his mouth, a cavernous maw, was filled with Quartz Crystal. These crystals were not mere stones but symbols of purity, wisdom, and power. They sparkled with a light that seemed to contain the very essence of the cosmos, a brilliance that told the story of creation itself.
Along with the other Sky-Beings, each a masterpiece of his design, Daramulun embarked on his most profound and defining act of creation: the forging of Man and Woman. This was no simple task; it was an act of divine artistry, a blending of earth and sky, matter and spirit. In the hands of Daramulun and his celestial cohorts, clay and breath became flesh and soul, and the first humans were brought to life.
These newly created beings were not mere puppets or playthings; they were imbued with free will, curiosity, and the spark of divinity. They were a reflection of the Sky-Beings themselves, yet unique, a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of existence.
The story of Daramulun’s creation resonates with themes that transcend cultural boundaries: the desire to understand our origins, the connection between the physical and the metaphysical, and the intertwining of nature and the supernatural. He is a symbol of the primal creative force, a reminder of our ties to something greater, something mysterious and eternal.
In the myths and legends where Daramulun’s name is spoken, he stands as a beacon of the human quest for understanding, a figure whose crystalline mouth speaks not in words but in the universal language of creation, a dialect understood by the heart and soul. His story is not merely an ancient tale but a living philosophy, a testament to humanity’s eternal dance with the divine, a dance that began in the heart of a giant and continues to this day.
The Numbakulla
AC: 21 Abilities: Wizard 25th Level, Fighter 23rd Level HP: 450
In the ancient cosmology of the sky, there exist beings whose origins are veiled in mystery and transcendence, known as the Numbakulla. These two self-existent Sky-Beings, neither born nor created by conventional means, are entities beyond comprehension, emanating from the very fabric of the cosmos itself.
Their story begins in the celestial realms, a place untouched by time and unbound by earthly constraints. From this ethereal domain, the Numbakulla descended, drawn to the Earth by a purpose that was as profound as their existence. They were architects of life, weavers of destiny, and their mission was nothing less than the creation of humanity itself.
Upon their arrival, they found the world populated by amorphous creatures, beings without form or substance, mere shadows of potential life. These were not mere animals or mindless entities but something more enigmatic, something that whispered the promise of what could be.
The Numbakulla looked upon these formless beings with eyes that saw beyond appearance, eyes that recognized the spark of potential hidden within. With hands that had touched the stars and minds that had conceived the inconceivable, they began their divine work.
They sculpted and molded, breathed life and infused spirit. The amorphous creatures were transformed, reshaped by the will and artistry of the Numbakulla. What was once vague and undefined became tangible and real. Men and women emerged, not as mere flesh and bone but as reflections of the cosmos, imbued with the essence of the Sky-Beings themselves.
The creation of humanity by the Numbakulla was not merely an act of formation but a profound connection, a linking of sky and earth, divine and mortal. They did not simply create and then retreat to their celestial home; they left behind a legacy, a spiritual connection that resonated through generations.
The tale of the Numbakulla is a poetic allegory of creation, identity, and the eternal quest for understanding. It speaks to the human condition’s complexity, the intricate dance between physical form and spiritual essence. It is a story that resonates with universal themes, a myth that is more than a myth, a symbolic journey that reflects our own journey through life.
In the echoes of this ancient tale, we find reflections of our own existence, a reminder that we are not mere accidents of nature but the result of a grand design, conceived in the heavens and realized on Earth. The Numbakulla stand as eternal witnesses to this truth, two celestial giants whose legacy continues to inspire and mystify, a testament to the wonder of creation and the endless possibilities of the human spirit.
Ngunung-Ngunnut – The Bat
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 18th Level HP: 340
In the intricate tapestry of ancient beliefs and mystical traditions, a figure emerges with profound significance: Ngunung-Ngunnut, a deity renowned for his creative power and mystical abilities. His name resonates with echoes of the divine, a celestial being who holds a special place in the cosmos as the creator of Woman.
Ngunung-Ngunnut is not a solitary entity but part of a divine duality, the brother of Gidja. Together, they form a complementary pair, each possessing unique attributes and responsibilities, yet intrinsically connected. While Gidja’s role and powers remain a subject of reverence and mystery, it is Ngunung-Ngunnut’s creation of Woman that places him at the heart of a sacred narrative.
His act of creation was not a mere shaping of form but a profound infusion of essence, an act that transcended mere physicality. Through his divine touch, Woman was not merely crafted but awakened, imbued with spirit, complexity, and grace. This was not just the birth of a gender but the initiation of a harmonious balance, a counterpart to Man, a symbol of life’s duality and interconnectedness.
But Ngunung-Ngunnut’s divine attributes extend beyond creation. He is a master of mystical arts, capable of wielding spells that defy earthly limitations. Among his most revered abilities are the spells of Fly, Gate, and Polymorph.
The spell of Fly allows him to transcend gravity, to move with the freedom of the wind, unbound by earthly constraints. It symbolizes his connection with the ethereal realms, his mastery over the physical world, and his ability to navigate the unseen currents of existence.
With the spell of Gate, Ngunung-Ngunnut can traverse dimensions, connecting disparate realms and bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine. It is a power that speaks of unity and accessibility, the divine’s willingness to be reached and the interconnectedness of all things.
Lastly, the spell of Polymorph reveals his ability to transform, to alter shape and essence, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life and the fluidity of existence. It is a testament to his understanding of growth, evolution, and the inherent potential within all things to become something more.
Ngunung-Ngunnut stands as a symbol of creativity, wisdom, and spiritual mastery. His story is a reminder of the divine’s presence in our lives, the sacredness of creation, and the boundless possibilities that reside within us. He is a beacon of inspiration, a figure whose powers and deeds resonate with our own quest for understanding, growth, and transcendence. His legacy endures as a testament to the wonder of existence and the endless dance of life’s beautiful complexity.
Gidja – The Moon
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 19th Level HP: 360
Among the many tribes that populated a vast and mystical land, a divergence of belief emerged, weaving a complex and intriguing narrative around two divine figures: Gidja and his brother, Ngunung-Ngunnut. While some revered Ngunung-Ngunnut as the creator of Woman, others bestowed this profound honor upon Gidja, attributing to him the sacred act of crafting the first Woman.
Gidja was not merely a secondary character in this celestial drama but a deity of profound significance and power. In the eyes of the tribes that venerated him, he stood as a symbol of creation, wisdom, and mastery over the arcane arts. His connection with the formation of Woman was not a mere footnote but a core aspect of his divine identity, reflecting a nuanced understanding of femininity, duality, and the interconnectedness of all life.
His abilities were vast, a testament to his celestial stature. Among the spells he could command were Gate, Light, Clone, Polymorph, Destructive Wave, Shield, Magic Missile, and Time Stop, each one a manifestation of a different facet of his divine nature.
The spell of Gate echoed his ability to connect worlds, a power that transcended physical boundaries, symbolizing unity, accessibility, and the cosmic dance that wove together the fabric of existence.
With the spell of Light, Gidja could summon illumination, both literal and metaphorical, a power that represented enlightenment, guidance, and the eternal quest for understanding.
The spell of Clone revealed his understanding of identity and the multifaceted nature of existence, an ability to replicate and explore the complexity of self.
Through Polymorph, he demonstrated mastery over form and essence, reflecting life’s fluidity and the transformative power of growth.
The spell of Destructive Wave was a manifestation of his control over forces of nature, a symbol of his authority and the delicate balance that governs life.
With Shield, Magic Missile, and Time Stop, Gidja wielded powers of protection, offense, and control over time itself, abilities that resonated with themes of guardianship, strength, and the eternal flow of existence.
Gidja’s story is rich and multifaceted, reflecting the diversity and depth of human belief. He stands as a reminder that truth is often a matter of perspective, that myths and deities can wear many faces, each one a reflection of a different facet of human experience.
In the tribes that venerated him as the creator of Woman, Gidja was not just a deity but a symbol of life’s complexity, a divine figure whose powers and deeds resonated with their understanding of the cosmos. His legacy endures as a testament to the human capacity to conceive the divine, to see in the heavens a mirror of our own existence, a dance of creation, transformation, and endless possibility.
Morkul-Kua-Luan – The Spirit of the Long Grass
AC: 18 Abilities: Ranger 18th Level HP: 300
Morkul-Hua-Luan, a mystical figure with eyes perpetually half-closed, guards against the prickling grass that fills his domain. His unique beak-like nose adds to his enigmatic appearance, a physical embodiment of his connection to nature. As the steward of the long grass, he ensures its growth, a role that resonates with themes of nurturing and harmony.
His command over the arcane arts is specialized, reflecting his divine purpose. Through the spells of Create Food and Water, he sustains life and maintains the delicate balance of his realm. With Plant Growth and Speak with Plants, he communicates and manipulates the vegetation, a mastery that illustrates his deep bond with the earth. The Charm Person spell signifies his ability to influence and guide, while Gate reveals his connection to other realms.
Morkul-Hua-Luan stands as a symbol of protection, growth, and wisdom, a unique deity whose half-closed eyes and beak-like nose are but outward signs of an intricate spiritual nature. His spells tell a story of sustenance, communication, and unity, painting a vivid portrait of a guardian of the natural world.
Yalungur – The Eaglehawk
AC: 20 Abilities: Wizard 20th Level HP: 260
Yulungur, a figure shrouded in mystery and enigma, occupies a unique place in the pantheon of mystical beings. Her story is a whisper in the wind, a fleeting glimpse in the annals of legend, defined largely by her union with Kallin-Kallin. This marriage, though sparingly detailed, hints at a connection that transcends mere earthly bonds, a joining of two celestial entities with roles and purposes beyond our comprehension.
Her abilities, though succinctly described, reveal facets of her divine nature. The spell of Fly indicates a freedom from earthly constraints, a grace that allows her to traverse the skies, unbound by the limitations of the mortal world. It’s a symbol of transcendence and ethereal beauty, a power that resonates with themes of liberation and elevation.
The spell of Gate, on the other hand, speaks of her ability to connect realms, a power that reflects unity, accessibility, and a profound understanding of the cosmic dance that binds all of existence. It’s a window into her role as a bridge between worlds, a guardian of thresholds, and a weaver of destinies.
Yulungur’s story, though brief, is tantalizing in its brevity, a puzzle that invites exploration and interpretation. Her marriage to Kallin-Kallin and her command over Fly and Gate spells are but fragments of a greater narrative, pieces of a divine mystery that beckon us to look beyond the surface and ponder the unknown. She is a symbol of enigma and potential, a celestial being whose true nature waits to be discovered, a reminder that not all truths are readily apparent, and that sometimes, the most profound wisdom lies in the shadows of uncertainty.
Kallin-Kallin – The Chickenhawk
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 20th Level HP: 380
Kallin-Kallin, a figure of authority and power, acted with decisive resolve when he banished Gidja to the Night-Sky, a profound act that echoes through legend. His union with Yalungur, taken as his wife, signifies a connection that intertwines fate and destiny, love and dominion.
His mastery over spells reveals aspects of his divine character: Gate shows his ability to traverse realms, Fly embodies his freedom and supremacy over the skies, Shield reflects his role as a protector, Magic Missile demonstrates his offensive capabilities, and Time Stop unveils his command over the very fabric of time.
Kallin-Kallin’s story is a concise yet potent tale of action, power, and relationship, a narrative that resonates with themes of authority, love, and mystical prowess. His spells weave a tapestry of his divine essence, a brief glimpse into the complexity of a deity whose impact endures in myth and memory.
The Muramura
AC: 20 Abilities: Wizard 20th Level / 18th Level Fighter HP: 320
The Muramura, enigmatic Sky-Beings of both male and female essence, once wandered the Earth with a purpose divine and profound: the creation of Man. Their presence was a dance of celestial grace, each step a touch of creation, each gesture a breath of life.
Among them, one figure stood as the embodiment of nature’s rhythm: Darand, known as the Rainmaker. Darand’s role transcended mere existence; he was the pulse of the weather, the soul of the rain. His voice, a melody that transcended mere sound, could summon rain. When he sang, the skies would weep, and the earth would be bathed in life-giving moisture. His song was a symphony of existence, a harmony that resonated with the ebb and flow of nature’s dance.
But Darand’s power was not just in summoning rain; it was also in controlling it. With a simple act, the placing of his Boomerang into the ground, he could command the rain to cease. This act, unassuming yet potent, was a testament to his mastery over the elements, a gentle reminder of the delicate balance that governs our world.
The story of the Muramura and Darand the Rainmaker is a rich and evocative tale, a narrative that speaks of creation, control, and harmony. It’s a reflection of our connection to nature and the divine forces that shape our existence. In Darand’s song and his Boomerang’s placement, we find symbols of life’s beautiful complexity and the eternal dance that weaves together the fabric of our world.
The Mandabari
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 23rd Level HP: 350
The Mamandabari, two mystical brothers, embody a duality of existence, soaring through the sky or journeying beneath the ground. Their wanderings across the Earth are more than mere travel; they are purposeful odysseys, introducing customs and practices to the lands they traverse.
Their abilities are manifested through spells that reflect their divine mission: Gate symbolizes their connection between realms, Fly embodies their aerial grace, Polymorph reveals their transformative power, Charm Person illustrates their influence over minds, and Mass Cure Wounds resonates with their healing touch.
The Mamandabari’s story is a succinct yet rich tale of guidance, influence, and mystical prowess, a narrative that intertwines the earthly and the divine, capturing the essence of their role as cultural heralds and spiritual guides.
Yurlunggur – The Rainbow Snake
AC: 21 Abilities: Wizard 30th Level / Fighter 25th Level HP: 480
Known by many other names as well, Yurlunggur makes his home (on Earth) in deep rock pools and waterholes. He regenerates nature and Human fertility. He controls the physiological processes of men, and the circulation of blood. He is a great Healer and Sorcerer. His anger is roused if the rules governing relationships between the sexes are broken. Disease and Flood are expressions of his wrath.
Mamarangan – The Lightning Man
AC: 22 Abilities: Fighter 24th Level HP: 460
Mamarangan lives at the bottom of a waterhole in the Dry Season, and in the Wet Season he rides on the tops of the Thunderclouds. His voice is the Thunder and he strikes down with his magical +4 Stone Axe 3d12+10 at people and acts as a Lightning Bolt wand. He can use these spells: Control Weather, Create or Destroy Water, Control Water, Lightning Bolt, Call Lightning, Chain Lightning, Lightning Arrow and Teleport.
The Wondjina
AC: 19 Abilities: Fighter 22th Level HP: 825
The Wondjina are primal beings who come from the Sky to teach Mankind. They are typically ten to sixteen feet tall. Around the head of each appears a “halo” of red and yellow. The eyes and nose are linked, and there is no mouth.
Wodoi: Master Thief of 22nd Level Bard
Djunggun: has a +3 boomerang that does 4d10 damage.
Walangda: went up into the Sky to become the Milky Way.
Waramurungundju – The Great Mother
AC: 20 Abilities: Fighter 19th Level HP: 220
Waramurungundju made the landscape, and produced many children, plants, and animals from her body. She can use these spells: Morkul-Hua-Luan always has his eyes half-closed to protect his eyes from the prickling grass. He has a beak-like nose. He ensures the growth of the long grass. He can use these spells: Create Food and Water, Plant Growth, Speak with Plants, Charm Person, Gate, Move Earth, and Teleport.
The Mimi
AC: 16 Abilities: Wizard 15th Level HP: 180
The Mimi are stick-like spirit beings who live in rocks. They are so thin that they are afraid to venture out when it is windy for fear that their necks will snap. They are said to eat men, but their main food is yams.