Pangea: Bronze Age Weapons, Armor and Equipment

Though the majority of peoples and regions in Pangea are primarily in the Stone Age, the city-states of Urantia have a Bronze Age level of development. Such metalworking skills allow for for a longer-lasting edge to weapons, tools and a greater resilience of armor. Along with metalworking, Bronze Age advances have greater skill in leather-working (due to metal studs, buckles and other advances, allowing for higher quality clothing and other goods.

Unlike Stone Age arms and equipment, Bronze Age goods require skilled professionals. Working metal, dyes, leather and the other specialized materials needed require special tools and training.

Bronze Age Equipment
From the equipment found on page of the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook, the following may be purchased from city-state merchants.:

Weapons: Battleaxe, cestus (gauntlet and spiked gauntlet) club, dagger, dart, greatclub, hammer, handaxe, javelin, longsword, quarterstaff, scythe, short bow (normal or composite, with arrows), short sword, sickle, spear (all standard varieties), sling, trident, warhammer.

Armor: Leather, studded leather, hide armor (see Stone Age), scale mail, breastplate (which is an armored chest plate, armored metal skirt, and metal greaves), buckler, light metal shield, heavy metal shield.

Adventuring Equipment: Backpack, bedroll, blanket, candle, crowbar, flask, flint and steel, hammer, ink, jug, ladder, lamp, lock, manacles, map or scroll case, mirror, oil, parchment, piton, pole, pouch, portable ram, rations, rope (hemp or silk), sack, signet ring, sledge, tent, torch, vial, waterskin.

Special Substances and Items: Acid, alchemists fire, antitoxin, tanglefoot bag.

Tool and Skill Kits: Alchemist’s lab, artisan’s tools (common or masterwork), disguise kit, healer’s kit, holy symbol, musical instrument, thieves’ tools.

Clothing: Courtier’s outfit, entertainer’s outfit, noble’s outfit, peasant’s outfit, royal outfit, traveler’s outfit.

Food, Drink, and Lodging: All.

Mounts and Related Gear: Bit and bridle, donkey or mule, feed, guard dog, horse (any kind, including all kinds of ponies), saddle (pack only), stabling.

Savage Babes: Loana the Fair One

Things are a bit busy around here right now, so instead of a more in-depth article I will begin a series of short features that will present prehistoric beauties. A proper cave-woman is not only beautiful, but strong, tough and handy with a weapon.

So to start this series off I present to you Loana the Fair One, played by none other than the super-babe Raquel Welch in the 1966 adventure/fantasy classic One Million Years B.C. In this movie we find grunting cavemen, savage dinosaurs, and enough violence to put your average pre-teen to teenage boy into fits of testosterone poisoning.

And so it is perfect for Pangea.

Raquel Welch is one of those women who did not diet (owing her figure to pasta), and is STILL gorgeous despite being in her 70s.

Pangea: Stone Age Armor and Weapons

In the world of Pangea, the majority of mankind is still well into a Stone Age level of development. This means that most communities, tribes and races use the readily available materials of Stone, Wood, Bone and Animal Hide for everyday use and in the making or armor and weapons. Though the city-states are at a Bronze Age level of development (see Bronze Age Weapons Arms and Equipment), the average person of Pangea does not yet have access to a steady supply of bronze-age goods and skills. And so a mixing of the two is common.
System: Stone Age level items can be made and possibly repaired by any character with the Survival skill. When the necessary components are available (GMs are advised to reward creativity on the players part), a skill check produces one such item.


MELEE WEAPONS

Chopper: These items were designed to be tools to dig through rough ground to find food (tubers and grubs) as well as in chopping or shaping soft woods and skinning animals. They could be pressed into service as a weapon and would eventually become much more effective when combined with a haft in the form of a handaxe.

Club: Most Stone Age examples of this oldest weapon are improvised, simply a large sturdy branch found after a storm or broken off a tree. The bone club is found among the remains of animal kills. The hardwood club is the one exception, and is an extremely rare and potent weapon due to the difficulty of shaping hardwoods with stone cutting implements. The hardwood club is the one Stone Age example of this weapon that is not a weapon of convenience and will often feature such minor improvements as leather wrapping around the handle of the weapon, making it easier to grip in combat.

Hammer: These weapons are a variation on the Handaxe, though employing a blunt stone. These weapons are used to bludgeon prey and foes and are also used in construction.

Handaxe: One of the major technological advancements of the Stone Age, these items were valuable as both tools and weapons (some argue more the former than the latter) and developed from the “choppers”, axe heads held in the hand to skin animals and chop wood. With these items came the ability to shape wood for specific purposes, including more sophisticated clubs, but also hafting. With hafting both the axe and spear were born and humans went from prey animals to hunters in their own right.

Knife: Like the chopper, the knife was more of a tool than a true weapon although sharpened bone stakes were probably intended to be stabbing devices. Like the chopper, these items benefited from hafting, when they were transformed into spears.

Maul: Effectively a really big Hammer, and usable only by the very strong. Kabiri, giants and the very strong enjoy the power of this weapon. Only those with a Strength of at least 16 can wield a Stone Maul, all others suffer a -2 penalty.

Spear: As mentioned above the spear was developed by the addition of a haft to a knife, allowing the attacker to increase his reach and keep his enemy at bay while increasing the force of his thrusts. These weapons could also be thrown, allowing the attacker to extend the range of his attacks even further.


RANGED WEAPONS

Atlatl: The atlatl is a “spear thrower” designed to increase the velocity (and thus the range and damage) of the javelin and the dart. These items are modified as listed in the equipment table above, gaining an improved Range Increment and (in the case of the weighted atlatl) a damage bonus.

Dart: The dart is a tiny javelin used as a weapon by primitive cultures, often in conjunction with either poison or the atlatl.

Javelin: The javelin is one of the most effective ranged weapons of the Stone Age, especially when combined with the atlatl. Because of its superior range, many armies use these weapons for ranged attacks with soldiers carrying only a single true spear for melee combat.

Shortbow: The shortbow is one of the most important weapons ever invented and has a great deal of impact on hunting and warfare. The ability to hurl missiles accurately and with great force across great distances allows the attacker to keep his enemy at bay, hopefully killing an attacker or animal before they can close to injure him. Shortbows do not allow the wielder to add his Strength modifier to bow damage.

Stone, thrown: One of the simplest weapons imaginable, this is nothing more than a rock that has been chosen (or shaped) to extend its throwing range. This is also the ammunition for the sling.


ARMOR

Cured Hide: Animal hide needs proper treatment or it will rot. Use of hide is common in making clothing, particularly trousers, shirts, gloves and shoes. Cured hide armor uses thick layers of hide stitched together , making an effective armor and are fairly warm (though a bit stuffy in warm weather).

Furs: Animal furs are widely used to make clothing. Such clothing are usually kilts or skirts, shirts, cloaks, gloves, leg warmers and hats. As armor they are somewhat useful, and are favored by hunters and those wishing to move freely and stay warm.

Bone: Bone is used in the making of tools, buttons, needles, jewelry and more, but it is sometimes employed in the making or armor. Bone armor uses the bones of hearty animals (such as dinosaurs) into armor plates stitched over leather. Such armor can be impressive, but can rattle a bit.



STONE AGE MATERIALS

Bone: Bone weapons offer some advantages over stone, but also some significant drawbacks. Bone weapons can be brought to a much finer point than stone or wood, making these weapons some of the most dangerous encountered in a Stone Age society. Where bone weapons suffer in comparison to stone is in their durability.
A bone weapon breaks on a natural attack roll of 1. If a weapon breaks during a successful attack normal damage is still inflicted on the target.

Wood: The advantages of wooden weapons are that they can always be fashioned with ease and materials are in ready supply. Still, these weapons are primitive even by Stone Age standards.
A wooden weapon breaks on a natural attack roll of 1. If a weapon breaks during a successful attack normal damage is still inflicted on the target.
Wooden piercing and slashing weapons suffer a -2 circumstance penalty to attack rolls against armored targets, including creatures with a natural armor bonus of +2 or higher.

Stone: A step up from wood, weapons made of stone can be honed to a sharp point by a well-equipped craftsman, increasing the damage potential of the weapon being made. While still prone to flaking and shattering these weapons are also more durable than those made of wood alone.
A stone weapon breaks on a natural attack roll of 1. If a weapon breaks during a successful attack normal damage is still inflicted on the target.

EVERYDAY ITEMS
Some of the items listed on page 38 and 39 in the Blood and Treasure PHB can be produced with Stone Age level skills, but will be made with Stone, Wood, Bone, Hide or similarly "primitive" materials. The following items may be produced with Stone Age materials.

Clothing: Artisans Outfit, Cloak, Cold Weather Outfit (see below), Explorers Outfit, Peasants Outfit, Travelers Outfit.

Miscellaneous Items: Backpack, Basket, Blanket, Block and Tackle, Firewood, Fishhook, Fishing Net, Grappling Hook, Hammer (see Melee Weapons), Pole (10'), Pouch, Rope (Hempen), Sack, Sledge, Torch, Waterskin.

Pangea: Buyan Longneck

Huge Animal, Neutral (N), Animal Intelligence; Herd (1d8)
HD 16
AC 18
ATK Talons (2d6), or trample (2d10)
MV 40
SV F 3, R 5, W 10
XP 1,600 (CL 17)
The Buyan Longneck is a species of dragon* that is widely domesticated for use in heavy labor and in warfare. These creatures have the typical body shape of a plant-eating dragon: a small skull, a long and flexible neck, a stocky body and a long, mobile tail. The arms of the Buyan Longneck are short though strongly built, with hands adapted for powerful grasping. These creatures can grow to a length of 25 to 30 feet in length and weigh around 13,000 to 16,000 pounds. It is believed by sages to be distantly related to the immense Thunderbeasts of the southern forests and plains, but is far more trainable.
Riders of a Buyan Longneck report that these creatures can be cantankerous, but with proper care and patience during training, they can be loyal and clever mounts. Buyan Longneck eggs are worth 2,000 gp apiece on the open market, while young are worth 3,000 gp each. Professional trainers charge 1,000 gp to rear or train a Buyan Longneck.

*Dragon is a general term for "Huge Reptile" in Pangea. All dinosaur species are considered to be "dragons" while the fire-breathing type of dragon is considered the stuff of wild stories.

Pangea: Campaign Region

The Urantian Plateau is the central region in which the Pangean Campaign is to take place. Though still a wild, prehistoric land haunted by primordial beasts, this region hosts the largest organized civilization of Adamu and related races in the known world. This is not to say that all is peaceful however, but mankind in Urantia is fairly civilized, and (mostly) allied against the threat of the Naacal Reptilians and other threats.
Though the Urantian Plateau is just north of the equator, the plateau is of such a high elevation that it is largely temperate in climate. This makes for ample sun and plentiful growing seasons.
Urantian civilization is centered around scattered city-states, whose area of control consists of the reach of their armies. Each of these city-states is ruled by elites of one kind or another. Between these city-states are wild lands ruled by tribal villages and petty kingdoms who squabble, war and trade as needs and desires drive them.
Some details from the map are;

Artelmis

The city-state of Artelmis is home to the most developed science of Alchemy, Astronomy and Theurgy in all of Urantia. Here, arcane Magic Users form the ruling class, under the leadership of the Three Lords of Artelmis; King Dartah (Trans 20), King Potemes (Conj 20), and King Tilhi (Div 20). Under these magic users are a large number of lesser mages and alchemists, who all strive towards the unlocking of magical conundrums and the production of potions and spells.
Artelmis trades extensively with the wild tribes of the Pirhua Jungle, having many uses to the exotic and often dangerous plants, poisons and creatures native to that land. This trade relationship has allowed the alchemists and vision-seekers of Artelmis access to many materials that are harder to come by in other regions of Urantia.
Artelmis is famous for its production of potions, glass, and material components, but is also known for its cultivation of Alkahest or Wizard Weed a powerful narcotic used in vision-quests. This substance and similar drugs are sold far and wide by agents of Artelmis, and is highly addictive. Adamu form the ruling class in Artelmis, but all other human kin may be found here, as well as a number of truly alien beings. Awani are common foot-soldiers or Artelmis, as the magic user ruling class frightens this normally troublesome race into obedience.

Labruula

The city-state of Labruula is in the northernmost region of Urantia, and as-such must contend with northern raiders, mountain savages, giants and mountain beasts. The people here are hardy, crude and boisterous, prizing revelry, song and brawling above other pursuits. Despite this, the people of Labruula have a very strong sense of courtesy, and take oaths and hospitality as sacred. Labruula is ruled by a council of elders, whose members change frequently. Selection of council members is the result of votes by the landholders of the community, overseen by the leading holy man (usually a Druid).
Labruula is famous not only for its warriors, but also for its skilled hunters and animal trainers. Smilodons and  Tusked Behemoths (Deinotherium) trained for battle are hallmarks of this city-states. The Tusked Behemoth, armored and equipped for battle and crewed by screaming Dakkati warriors is the hallmark of the Labruula war machine, causing even the Hill Giants of Kerr to shake in fear.
Labruula also exports horses, mercenaries, lumber, slaves and hide. Imports are steel, wine and luxury goods. A great number of Kabiri and Dakkati live here, where they are accorded equal rights and respect due to their skills.

Meru (The Holy City)

Meru is the name of both a mighty city-state and the volcanic mountain upon whose roots the city rests. This city-state is the core of the Church of Heaven, the single largest unifying force of the races of Mankind. The Church rules this city-state under the guidance of Kyafus, High Priest of Heaven. Under this beneficent ruler, and army of Clerics, Paladins, Monks and Adepts spread the will of Heaven amongst the peoples and attempt to keep the Adamu and other kin of man unified against inhuman threats such as the Naacal Reptilians.
Mount Meru is said to be where Heaven meets Earth, which is easy to contemplate, as the mountain is the tallest in the known world. This mountain is rich in precious gems and metals and its volcanic ash makes the region extremely fertile. The city-state of Meru makes full use of the mountains resources to fuel its efforts to unite the nations.
Meru is a bustling place, full of art, music and holy places dedicated to the Powers of Heaven. The markets here are the most extensive in Urantia, with open air stalls and permanent shops selling all manner of produce, livestock, cloth, clothing, jewelry and virtually anything else that can be legally bought and sold. Illegal and/or questionable wares are only traded in utmost secrecy, as the guard of Meru is especially zelous and well-paid.

Nochs

The city-state of Nochs is built upon the ruins of an ancient outpost of the Shalmali, a powerful race of sorcerous giants. The city is high-walled and forbidding, with a grim reputation for deceipt, dark curses and evil magic. This reputation is only partially justified, as the people of Nochs are a quiet, secretive folk who prize secrets and cunning over more open pursuits.
Nochs is ruled by The Council of Shadows, a varying group of families who continuously seek to thwart and outdo each other in the suptle arts of assination, theft and deceipt. However despite this, they are quick to join forces in defense of their city-state, using all of their arts to destroy common threats.
Nochs produces the best illusionists and necromancers in all of Urantia, employing these magical skills in defense of their city and in trade to would-be buyers. Magical items related to these arts are also sold, though truly powerful necromancy is rarely sold due to its potential use against the city-state. There exists a state of "respectful competitiveness" between the magic users of Nochs and Artelmis, with both cities having lively trade and energetic hatred for the other in equal measure.

Talenos

The city-state of Talenos is in a region of rolling rills and elegant mountains, with the city itself nestled between two hill near the Mountains of the Moon. Talenos is a city state where music, magic and enchantment are greatly prized, and where the many mysteries of womanhood are seen as deeply sacred. Talenos is ruled by Queen Astra III (Sor 20) and the eldest and most experienced women in the city. These rulers are typically Bards, Clerics (specialty clerics of the Moon), and Enchantresses. Men are relegated to warrior or menial classes and rank in all areas in Talenos.
Talenos produces the greatest musicians, poets and enchanters in all of Urantia, and is also known for its wine and the gems mined in the mountains. Though Adamu form the ruling class, Dakkati and Kabiri are also well represented in Talenos.

Trigas

The city-state of Trigas is known for its ship-builders, merchants and swaggering warriors. Trigas is ruled by a council of Merchants who rule over a large army of merchant soldiers, and ships. The city itself is built atop a series of docks, platforms and piers as it is built over swampy land except for a small number of rocky islets. The people of this city are either buyers, sellers or slaves, with even the slaves looking for a new deal.
Of all the city-states, Trigas alone is uninterested in conquest, as they prefer to seek wealth as a means to an end. The merchants of Trigas will trade with anyone or anything, leaving morals aside for another day. It is because of this that this city-state is both admired and despised across Pangea.

Pangea: Campaign Map Sneek-Peek

This has been a busy week. I had intended to give a brief overview of the campaign setting, accompanied by a more detailed version of the above map. But alas, I have run a bit short on time.

So to tide you over until next week, above is a simple map of the central campaign setting.

Much MUCH more to come!