Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +1 IntelligenceSize: Small
Speed: 30 ft., Climb 30 ft.
Languages: Common, Myapongo, one additional language of your choice
The Myapongo are a small, agile people native to the dense jungles of Nara-Karad. Standing around 3½ feet tall, these clever jungle dwellers are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and deep spiritual connection to the wilds. Their vibrant culture is rooted in harmony with nature, reverence for the forest gods, and a tradition of cooperation with the animals that share their home.
For generations, the Myapongo have lived in close-knit tribes, guided by wise elders and the teachings of their ancestors. Their history is marked by a legendary victory over the Nefrachoros vampires, when the first head cleric wielded a sacred war hammer to drive darkness from the jungle. This act cemented the Myapongo as fierce defenders of their land and spiritual stewards of Nara-Karad.
Traits:
- Age: Myapongo mature at the same rate as humans, living slightly longer—often up to 120 years.
- Alignment: Most Myapongo are neutral good, guided by compassion, wisdom, and respect for all life.
- Jungle Agility: You have proficiency in the Acrobatics skill.
- Natural Camouflage: You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide in jungle or forest terrain.
- Darkvision: Accustomed to the shadowy jungle, you can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Animal Communer: You can communicate simple ideas with beasts (especially primates) using gestures, sounds, and body language. You also have advantage on Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks to influence jungle beasts.
- Jungledarter Training: You have proficiency with blowguns, shortbows, and clubs. When you attack with a blowgun, its normal and long ranges are doubled for you, and you ignore the loading property.
- Poison Crafter: You have proficiency with the Poisoner’s Kit.
- Spiritual Connection: You know the druidcraft cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Culture & Appearance:
Myapongo wear lightweight, practical clothing adorned with colorful feathers, beads, and natural ornaments that symbolize their bond with the forest gods. Their homes blend seamlessly into the jungle, built high in the trees for safety and vantage. They speak with a smooth, musical accent reminiscent of Spanish, and their communities are known for warmth, hospitality, and storytelling.
- Society: Myapongo tribes are led by respected elders, each tribe maintaining sacred groves and passing down stories and rituals from generation to generation. The Myapongo value peace, but are swift to defend their home with blowguns, bows, and clever tactics.
- The Jungledarter: The signature weapon of the Myapongo is the Jungledarter, a bamboo blowgun adorned with intricate carvings. Myapongo hunters craft their own darts, often tipped with natural toxins harvested from the jungle.
- Clerics of the Forest Gods: Myapongo clerics are spiritual leaders and healers, wielding ceremonial war hammers blessed by ritual. They serve as mediators, guides, and protectors, believed to receive visions from the gods and acting as the voice of the divine.
Myapongo War Armor:
Though the Myapongo are a peaceful and nature-loving people, there are times when they must rise to defend their jungle home from outside threats. On such occasions, the Myapongo don special war attire—a unique blend of green-dyed leather and lightweight, jungle-forged plate. This ceremonial armor is crafted by the finest artisans and shamans, designed to provide protection while allowing freedom of movement in the dense forest.
The armor is often adorned with sacred symbols, feathers, and living vines, which not only help the wearer blend into the jungle but also serve as a spiritual connection to the forest gods. The gleaming green plates are carefully fitted over supple leather, ensuring the armor is both durable and silent.
Only worn during times of great need, this war armor is a symbol of unity and resolve among the Myapongo. When the tribes march to battle, the sight of warriors clad in their verdant armor inspires courage among allies and strikes fear into the hearts of those who would threaten the jungle.
Game Mechanics:
A Myapongo War Armor set is considered half plate for game purposes, but weighs 30% less (30 lbs) and does not impose disadvantage on Stealth checks when the wearer is in jungle or forest terrain. Only those trained in its use (proficiency with medium armor) can benefit from its features.
Playing a Myapongo:
As a Myapongo, you bring a blend of agility, cunning, and spiritual depth to any adventuring party. You might be a clever scout, an insightful druid, or a devoted cleric wielding the sacred war hammer of your people. Whether swinging through the forest canopy or standing firm against darkness, you are a living link between civilization and the wild heart of Barsalyhs.
Optional: Myapongo Cleric (Background or Subculture):
If you play a Myapongo cleric, you gain proficiency in Religion and Insight. When wielding a war hammer blessed by your tribe (GM’s discretion), you can cast bless once per long rest without expending a spell slot (Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell). Mayapongo Clerics always carry a war hammer.
“We are leaf, root, and rain. We are the children of the forest gods, and the jungle sings with our heartbeat.”
—Sayara, Myapongo Elder
Jungledarter
Weapon (blowgun), uncommon (Myapongo only)
A Jungledarter is a lightweight, expertly crafted bamboo blowgun, often adorned with intricate carvings, feathers, and jungle motifs. It is perfectly balanced for stealth, accuracy, and rapid use in the dense canopies of Nara-Karad.
Weapon Type: Martial Ranged Weapon
Cost: 20 gp
Damage: 1 piercing
Ammunition: Dart
Range: 50/150 ft. (Myapongo: 100/300 ft.)
Weight: 1 lb.
Properties: Ammunition, loading, light
Special (Myapongo): If you are a Myapongo, you ignore the loading property and double the range of this weapon.
Poison Darts: Most Myapongo Jungledarters are used with darts tipped in natural jungle toxins. Applying poison to a dart requires an action and a successful DC 10 Dexterity (Poisoner’s Kit) check.
Poison Dart (Common): When a creature is hit by a poisoned dart, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 1d4 poison damage and become poisoned until the end of its next turn.
Potent Jungle Poisons: At the DM’s discretion, Myapongo can craft stronger poisons with higher DCs and additional effects (sleep, paralysis, etc.), especially with downtime and rare ingredients.
Jungledarter Darts
Standard Dart: 1 piercing damage.
Poison Dart: 1 piercing + 1d4 poison, DC 12 Con save or poisoned until end of next turn.
Example: Jungledarter in Play
Jungledarter (Myapongo Only)
Ranged Weapon Attack: +Dex mod + proficiency, range 100/300 ft., one target.
Hit: 1 piercing damage, plus poison effects if using a poison dart.
© 2025 Kip Shelton, AC0