When playing in the world of the Dark Crystal, most players want to play gelfings. I’ve had a few comments from players regarding having trouble with concepts for podlings, given their pacifist nature (Hup’s “aggressiveness” was an anomaly, according to lore). Ruma is an example podling to incorporate in play as a PC, NPC, or to provide ideas for podling characters.
Rumadlanbalardakina “Ruma”
Overview
Ruma is a brewer and mixologist for his Pod. Though he has the gift of animal soul-speaking—and has needed it from time to time—he prefers to commune with his people, hearing their problems and lifting their spirits while raising cups. He also enjoys the company of Gelflings and their stories; he is one of the few in his Pod who has learned Gelfling speech.
High Concept: Your Friendly Bartender
Trouble: “Who Put The Drunk Behind The Bar?”
Upbringing
Birthed in a Pod at the edge of Darkwood, Rumadlanbalardakina grew up not only with his people but with Gelfling visitors from both the Spriton and Stonewood clans. It was from the Gelflings he acquired his nickname of “Ruma.” In his youth he had the daily chore of milking the nebrie. His working with the nebrie made him aware of his gift of animal soul-speaking. His discussions and working with the nebrie milk led to his passion for mixology. Perhaps it was finding two joys at once or perhaps it was just his nature, but even amongst the joyful podlings he was considered a happier soul than most.
Aspect: Upbeat
Example Invoke: Brighten a dour or hopeless mood
Example Consequence: Have others find your constant optimism annoying
Adventure
Ruma sees no need to go far from his Pod. His home is here, his people are here, his bar is here. When he does have to travel, he packs as much of his bar as he can. Especially the specialty ingredients and plenty of cups to share with others.
Aspect: Brings the Bar With Him
Example Invoke: Have the right tools and liquids on hand for a custom drink
Example Consequence: Be overburdened with gear; be distracted by protecting the drinks instead of yourself
Teamwork
Beyond his skills at mixology, Ruma made a good bartender as he was good at striking conversations with others. He loved to explore the world through their stories. It was easier than bringing all his gear to see it himself. The Gelfling, especially, had unique problems and life tales. One of his favorite Gelflings was Dealarali, the Gelfling inventor from the Stonewood clan who had broken her wings, but never her spirit.
Aspect: Tell Me Your Problems and Stories
Example Invoke: Understand the ordeals of another, no matter how alien they may be; compel another to pontificate rather than take an action
Example Consequence: Neglect duties to hear the grievances of another
Base Refresh: 3
Total Refresh: 3
Skills
Superb:
Great: Crafting (Brewing, Mixology, Cooking)
Good: Crafting (Leatherworking, Gardening); Rapport
Fair: Empathy; Notice; Lore
Average: Contacts; Music (Drums); Resources; Will
Powers & Stunts
Free Power: Animal Soul-Soothing
This power is the ability to calm an animal or animals using Rapport or Music. It can be used to slow stampedes, prevent a beast from attacking (unless provoked again), or allow an animal to be more easily tamed or taught. Animals are lulled into a sense of peace but Animal Soul-Soothing does not allow for direct communication. This power has no effect on intelligent species (Gelflings, Podlings, Skeksis, etc.) or Darkened Creatures
Power: Animal Soul-Speaking
With this power an individual can communicate directly with an animal, sharing more complex thoughts and ideas. Rapport or Music may be used in convincing the animal to do something it doesn’t want to do, but skill checks are no longer required to sooth an animal. As with Animal Soul-Southing, this power has no effect on intelligent species or Darkened Creatures.
Stunt: A Drink For Every Occasion
+2 Crafting when concocting a beverage germane to the situation
Stunt: Animal Crowd Control
+2 Rapport when speaking with a group/herd of animals to direct/instruct them
Stress Tracks
Physical 00
Mental 000
Typical Inventory
As well as his bongos, Ruma takes everything but his bar sink with him when he travels.
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