Seven Baidayan Kingdoms
The Menehune
Long before Captain Cook, long before the Tahitian influence on the Hawai’ian islands, the Menehune breathed life and carved artistry into the archipelago that lingers on today. The native fae of Hawai’i were always purveyors of natural art and culture, encouraging their mortal brethren to develop their civilization organically and reverently. And all went well until the Europeans came, breaking kapu and spreading disease and the close-minded religion of Christianity.
The Menehune did what they could over the centuries to keep their people’s ways alive. They had little help, and certainly not from the European faeries that accompanied the colonists! Only the Kopa Loei offered accountable assistance in maintaining the traditions of eld. Luckily, white man seemed to be wizening up in recent years. More and more, the natives are able to take back what was rightfully theirs all along. And with their victories, the Menehune thrive once more. Still, it is a long uphill battle. The Menehune still doubt whether they will survive the war of culture being waged in their home islands. While they still control most of Hawai’i’s sacred places, those continue to shrink despite conservation efforts. And when the sacred places are gone, so are the Menehune.
Fortunately, the Menehune still have the support of the spirit world. Their “freeholds” (more comparable to Nodes, caerns, and dragon nests) connect them to the spirit realm and their aumakua (totem guides). With such allies, there is still hope!
Rules
The Menehune still strictly adhere to the kapu system of government. The “Kith” of the Menehune are distinguished by their roles in society above other traits, after all. Some kapu are maintained today, such as the sole right and responsibility of the Ali’i to maintain the freeholds and flow of Glamour. It is also taboo for the Menehune to be observed by mortal (or even outsider) eyes while working their magic. The kapu of hospitality (aloha), long taken advantage of by Western exploiters, is still upheld, if in regards now only to fellow kahana (natives). However, other kapu have fallen to the wayside, such as the law against surfing unless one was of royal (Ali’i) birth: the competitive Kokua would just not have it!
Sacred Places
Across Hawai’i, the Menehune maintain a score of “freeholds”, of sacred places where the Gauntlet is so thin that Glamour freely flows out into the reverent changelings’ souls. On every major island there is at least one such place and usually more. Some of these sites are places of natural wonder. Others are pieces of ancient architecture, usually he’iau (temples) dedicated to certain gods. Below are the most prominent of the Menehune strongholds in Hawai’i.
Kahokuwelowelo
On the west side of the island of Oahu, the he’iau of Kahokuwelowelo stands. This ancient temple was built ages ago by the Menehune, and was named after a comet. Indeed, it was always a place for kahunas to gather and read the stars for prophesy and wisdom. The fae mostly live in a rural village a touch south, Makaha. Tolerance for ha’oles is thin there. But during especially brilliant celestial occasions (meteor showers or eclipses), the Menehune gather at Kahokuwelowelo (where they receive one extra success on all Soothsay cantrips). The he’iau also serves as a Level 2 dragon nest (Holding) of Visions. The Totem is Pueo, an owl-spirit.
Ulipo
On the east side of the island of Oahu, the he’iau of Ulipo stands south of the town of Kailua. This grand platform is said to have been built in one day ages ago, by the Menehune (of course). The fae gather here to honor the roles of the Menehune rulers and gather the Glamour of this Level 3 dragon nest (Holding) of Kingship. The Totem is ‘Io, a hawk-spirit.
Ma’alaea
On the northeast side of the island of Maui lies the bay of Ma’alaea. Humpback whales migrate here from Alaska during the winter months to breed. Their songs can be heard on the beach from the bay, and there Menehune set up an alcove of earth and stone at the very best point to hear the whales. The cave they formed acts as an amplifier of acoustics magically tied to the whale songs, filling it with wonder and Glamour for those who stay. This has created a Level 3 dragon nest (Holding) of Serenity. The Totem is Wave, a spirit embodying the ocean tides. The Menehune tend to actually live in the town of Kahului, keeping an eye on the ha’oles who arrive to Maui by airplane.
Hulop’e
Some of the boldest Menehune in Hawai’i dwell at the Hulop’e freehold found on the south beach of the island of Lana’i. They are avid divers and can be seen swimming alongside the pods of dolphins that frequent the area. The actual holding is in the shallows; the Glamour is charged in the perfectly rounded and multi-colored stones seen at the bottom of their favorite swimming alcove, letting the waters wash over them and relax and soothe their bodies and souls. Despite their easygoing ways, they dislike visitors bothering them in their waters (understandably, since removing the stones would steal the power of the holding). This is a Level 2 dragon nest (Holding) of Healing and the Totem is Dolphin.
Ili’ili’opae
On the eastern side of the island of Moloka’i, south of Kamokau Nature Preserve, lies the Ili’ili’opae he’iau. This ancient sacred place is where kahunas were traditionally initiated and Moloka’i kahunas were said to be the most powerful. This immense stone platform is actually on private land; visits must be prearranged (and the Menehune closely screen those interested). This powerful site is a Level 4 dragon nest (Holding) of Mystery and the Totem is ‘Alala, a crow-spirit whose feathers are symbolic of royalty and mighty magic.
Keanumakani
On the restricted island of Ni’ihau, the north half of the island is dedicated largely to ranchlands and agrarian pursuits. Near the northern beach, however, a plateau rises with soil inappropriate to agriculture. Atop this plateau the ancient ruins of a village remains. Living among these ruins are a tribe of Menehune known as the Windcatchers. With their unique chimerical devices, which resemble kites anchored to poles in the ground, they “catch” wind and harvest the Glamour from the very breath of the gods. The Totem here is Pupu, a spirit that embodies a nut unique to Ni’ihau and used in many leis necklaces. He watches over and blesses this Level 2 dragon nest (Holding) of Plenty.
Moe’uhane
In the heart of the oldest island of the Hawai’ian chain, Kaua’i, lies Mount Wai’ale’ale, the now dormant volcano that birthed the island. At the foot of this mountain lies the ancient fae village of Moe’uhane. It is hidden beyond the Alala’i wetlands (which Menehune scouts insure are impassable for unwanted visitors) and the beauty of the Waimea Canyon. Grass huts and tiki idols surround the he’iau platforms here in this village. The idols are designed to frighten away evil spirits (and they do). The Menehune live their most primal and traditional lives here, enjoying the old ceremonies and celebrations, and the kingship of all Menehune reigns from Moe’uhane. This is a Level 5 dragon nest (Holding) of Dreams and its Totem is La’ieikawai, the spirit of the rainbow.
Ha’ena
On the west coast of the island of Kaua’i lies Ha’ena State Park, where the ruins of ancient Hawai’ian villages can be found, and the Menehune still dwell. Here too is the Ke Ahu o Laka – terraces crafted for the performance of the sacred hula dances. The Kaulaupaolau he’iau is nearby, where beats the heart of this Level 3 dragon nest (Holding) of Beauty, and its Totem is Mokihani, spirit embodying the attractive and tasty berries native to Hawai’i.
Wailuku
The Wailuku River State Park is found along the Wailuku River, which flows down from Mauna Kea near the city of Hilo on the large island of Hawai’i. Feeding the river is the Rainbow Falls, which makes a gorgeous sight especially in the morning. Nearby are the Boiling Pots, unusual natural swimming pools where turbulent (and sometimes dangerous) currents bubble up as they flow beneath. Neighboring the Rainbow Falls and Wailuku River is an expansive grove of all the trees and fauna held sacred to the islands of Hawai’i: the Gardens of the Menehune. The fae here block trespass from non-natives, allowing only maoli (native Hawai’ians) to visit. It is a Level 4 dragon nest (Holding) of Sanctity, and its Totem is ‘Ohi’alehua, the spirit of a flowering tree considered sacred to Pele, for its ability to grow even on lava landscapes.
Pu’uhonua
The south of the island of Hawai’i is called Kona Coast, a popular resort destination for tourists. In the Kona area lies Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park. In ancient times, this place was a refuge for breakers of kapu. Those who broke taboos could flee here to escape death – if they could get past the stone wall blocking the way by land, or swim across the shark-infested bay safely. Within the refuge stands the he’iau of Keawe, the gravesite of the great chief Keawe and other kings. Carved ki’i idols guard the cemeteries. But more than ghosts haunts this temple: the oathbreakers still come to Pu’uhonua. Maintaining a loose and informal group who often bear only their kapu-breaking past in common, these Menehune resent the kingly intrusion from the other chiefs. The power of their claimed Level 2 dragon nest (Holding) of Honor ironically helps them keep their pride. And with mighty Mano (shark) as this dragon nest’s Totem, they have the strength to resist those who would hunt them for their past mistakes.
Chiefs
In antiquity, there were many Menehune kings. The race has dwindled to the point where most of the Menehune, at least those of Hawai’i, have pledged allegiance to a single great chief. The responsibilities of Great Chief are passed down through royal lineage, and it falls upon the ancient line of Kaua’i to lead the people into the future. Sub-chiefs from the other islands rule their lands while pledging allegiance to this central lord: O’ahu, Maui, Moloka’i, and Hawai’i all have their own sub-chiefs. Lana’i and Ni’ihau do not, and the Menehune of those two islands heed the chiefs of the nearest isles (Ni’ihau falls to Kaua’i, Lana’i to Moloka’i).
Special Events
Special events are annual (or more frequent) holidays or special ritual days that the main group or groups observe as a whole community. Attendance and participation is often expected of all members, and sometimes required.
Feasts of Lono (Makahiki)
In traditional Hawai’ian culture, the subsistence lifestyle enabled the peoples to spend half the year at work, and the other half relaxing and reflecting. Those months of reflection are known as Makahiki, or the Feasts of Lono. They come in phases, and the Menehune honor all those traditions. But for these fae, the most important phase is the middle phase, a period of games, crafts, and performance. Makahiki takes place from approximately November 17th to the first new moon of the next year’s February or March. The second phase runs the longest, from December to a week before that final new moon. During the Feasts, the Menehune outlaw war, and will act only in self-defense no matter the crimes of their enemies. Traditionally, like Beltaine/Samhaine, the Menehune tend to shift camps, with Makahiki signaling the start of their Feast camp dominance. It is not impossible to shift or stay in War camp, but due to the peace decrees of the Ali’i kings, such fae are surely bound to be frustrated and risk breaking kapu. (Fellow Menehune implore such fae to, for lack of a better term, chill out!)
“Without us, Hawai’i is just another Disneyland.”
-- Kanabanekapumalu, Chief of the Kingdom of Kaua’i, ruler of the Menehune
