Casting Shadows

The sixth month of this year’s Serial Setting for Ubiquity continues to expand the roster of curious residents and useful locations of the mysterious Windlet Islands. The Serial Settings series of posts is intended to provide usable setting material for busy GMs. Series 1 is for those looking to run Daring Tales of Adventure or Hollow Earth Expedition.

23) Mama Hoku’s, Windlet Cove Settlement, Lysette Isle

Care and Healing for All

This small, traditional house, open to the winds and with a gorgeous view of the Eastern Beach is home to the islands’ oldest living resident, and one of the earliest to have made the decision to live here full-time. Although it is a private residence, locals and even some frequent visitors know to seek Mama Hoku out when they have sicknesses of the body, of the heart, or of the mind.

Small, but more than spacious enough for the tiny owner, and her jars, drawers, boxes, bowls, bags, packets, and pinches of odd and disturbing powders, herbs, and preserves, the house can be reached by following a narrow trail through the very edges of the mostly tamed jungle to the east of Windlet Cove. The way has been marked by a scattering of small white stones. No one seems to fear the dangers of the jungle while they are on the path. Wandering off of it is another matter entirely.

A hammock, a few low wooden benches, a large fire pit, and a large collection of earthen jars are scattered with a pleasing chaos around the octagonal, open-plan dwelling. The scents are of home, the feeling is one of rest, and the service… highly personalized and always effective.

Usual Suspects: Mama Hoku

Purported to be over 100 years old, and known as a centenarian for at least the past 10 years Mama Hoku still has all her teeth, a vibrant smile and a piercing gaze. In the morning she does her cooking, and in the afternoon she sees patients. Her remedies are mild, often come in plentiful small doses, and always come with a great deal of calm waiting, and pleasant but insightful conversation.

Rumours: heard primarily among the workers and fisher folk of the islands

• She has married several times, but has lost all her husbands to the sea
• She has had many children, and has outlived most of them
• She is the best mid-wife in the islands
• She has revived many young men thought drowned
• She has very strong religious and political opinions, but in time of need will do her very best to aid the injured or soul-sick
• Donations from grateful patients have left her a very wealthy woman, but she spends none of it
• She is looking for a successor, praying day and night for one to inherit her knowledge and place in the community
• She has the power to curse those who threaten the community

Truths:

Soon!