1

These islands are of corpses, stricken

with disease. The individual is sick with
the curses and cancers from the unseen.
Chiefdoms are suffering the wrath of
the deities. Alliances are afflicted with
war against those like and unlike them.
And the islands are plagued with the
ships and guns of colonizers.

But we live on. There are those who

continue the ways they know. There are
those who try to prevent the disaster
the sorcerers have seen will happen. And
there are those who sow and reap from
the chaos.

Take wealth, covet power, establish

alliances, heal the wounds of the islands.
Whatever you want to do, you need
power to do it. Until you find a better
way, you must Raid.
Mangayaw is an RPG for one facilitator (the Mangaawit) and at least one other player. Players
act as Binmanwa, adventurers and survivors in an archipelago of bloodshed and goldlust. This
game is inspired by Philippine legend, folklore, culture and history. The game is a work-in-
progress, as is its setting.

You will need: some paper and writing tools, and at least one set of polyhedral dice (referred to
as d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20).

Mangayaw is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Credits
Mangayaw is based primarily on the Cairn SRD by Yochai Gal. Setting, and new text and
mechanics by Benjamin Moses M. Diño II.

Front cover art by Shane Agir. Art by Diwata ng Manila. Cover layout by Vynce Barros.

Acknowledgements
The works of Yochai Gal, Chris McDowall, Makapatag, Christian Merstam, Ben Milton, Diogo
Noguiera, Isaac Williams, Matthew Morris, Zeruhur, Adam Hensley, and Lars Huijbregts were a
source of inspiration and wealth of great ideas.

The RPGSEA, NSR, DeeperIntoTheDungeon and Session Zero Discord servers provided me a
space to interact, ask for criticism and questions, post my blog, and deepen my love for RPGs.
Tabletop Mentorship Program provided a microgrant for art commisions. My OSR senpai,
sdragon, always listened to my ramblings.

Lastly, my family’s patience and support is invaluable while I work on this project.

Design Principles
Player Choice
Players should always understand the reasons
behind the choices they’ve made, and
information about potential risks should be
provided freely and frequently.
Principles
Both the Mangaawit and the players each have
guidelines that help foster a specific play
experience, defined by critical thinking,
exploration, and an emergent narrative.

Death
Binmanwa may be powerful, but they are also
vulnerable to harm in its many forms. Death is
always around the corner, but it is never
random or without warning.
Growth
Binmanwa are changed through diegetic (in-
world) advancement, gaining new skills and
abilities by surviving dangerous events and
overcoming obstacles.

No Classes Neutrality
A Binmanwa’s role is not limited by a single The Mangaawit’s role is to portray the rules,
class. Instead, the equipment they carry and situations, NPCs and narrative clearly, while
sorceries they know defines their specialty. acting as a neutral arbiter.

Shared Objectives Difficulty

Players trust one another to engage with the
shared setting, character goals and party
challenges. Therefore, the party is typically
working together towards a common goal, as a
team.
Dice do not necessarily reflect an obstacle’s
difficulty or challenge level. Instead, the
likelihood of success or failure is arbitrated by
the Mangaawit in a dialogue with the players,
appropriate to the fiction.

3
 Principles for the Mangaawit
Information:
● Provide useful information about the game
world as the characters explore it.
● Players do not need to roll dice to learn
about their circumstances.
● Be helpful and direct with your answers to
their questions.
● Respond honestly, describe consistently, and
always let them know they can keep asking
questions.
Difficulty:
● Default to context and realism rather than
numbers and mechanics.
● If something the players want to do is
sincerely impossible, no roll will allow them to
do it.
● Is what the player describes and how they
leverage the situation sensible? Let it happen.
● Saves cover a great deal of uncertain
situation and are often all that is necessary for
risky actions.
Preparation:
● The game world is organic, malleable and
random. It intuits and make sharp turns.
● Use random tables and generators to
develop situations, not stories or plots.
● NPCs remember what the Binmanwa say or
do, and how they affect the world.
● NPCs don’t want to die. Infuse their own self-
interest and will to live into every personality.
Narrative Focus:
● Emergent experience of play is what
matters, not math or characters abilities. Give
the players weapon trainers and personal
quests to facilitate improvement and
specialization.
● Pay attention to the needs and wants of the
players, then put realistic opportunities in their
path.
● A dagger to your throat will kill you,
regardless of your expensive armor and
impressive training.
4
Danger:
● The game world produces real risk of pain
and death for the player characters.
● Telegraph serious danger to players when it
is present. The more dangerous, the more
obvious.
● Put traps in plain sight and let the players
take time to figure out a solution.
● Give players opportunities to solve problems
and interact with the world.
Treasure:
● A Treasure is specific to the environment
from where it is recovered. It tells a story.
● Treasure is highly valuable, almost always
bulky, and rarely useful beyond its worth and
prestige.
● Anting-anting are not Treasure, though they
are useful and interesting.
● Use Treasure as a lure to exotic locations
under the protection of intimidating foes.
Choice:
● Give the players a solid choice to force
outcomes when the situation lulls.
● Use binary “so, A or B?” responses when
their intentions are vague.
● Work together using this conversational
method to keep the game moving.
● Ensure that the player character’s actions
leave their mark on the game world.
Die of Fate:
● Occasionally you will want an element of
randomness (e.g. the weather, unique
character knowledge, etc.)
● In these situations, roll 1d6. A roll of 4 or more
generally favors the players.
● A roll of 3 or under stands to mean bad luck
for the Binmanwa and their allies.
 Principles for the PLayers
Agency:
● Abilities and related saves do not define your
character. They are tools.
● Don’t ask only what your character would do,
ask what you would to, too.
● Be creative with your intuition, items, and
connections.
Teamwork:
● Seek consensus from the other players
before barreling forward.
● Stay on the same page about goals and
limits, respecting each other and
accomplishing more as a group than alone.
Exploration:
● Asking questions and listening to detail is
more useful than any stats, items, or skills you
have.
● Take the Mangaawit’s description without
suspicion, but don’t shy away from seeking
more information.
● There is no single correct way forward.
5
Talking:
● Treat NPCs as if they were real people, and
rely on your curiosity to safely gain information
and solve problems.
● You’ll find that most people are interesting
and will want to talk things through before
getting violent.
Caution:
● Fighting is a choice and rarely a wise one;
consider whether violence is the best way to
achieve your goals.
● Try to stack the odds in your favor and
retreat when things seem unfavorable.
Planning:
● Think of ways to avoid your obstacles
through reconnaissance, subtlety, and fact-
finding.
● Do some research and ask around about
your objectives.
Ambition:
● Set goals and use your meager means to
take steps forward.
● Expect nothing. Earn your reputation.
● Keep things moving forward and play to see
what happens.
 Principles of the world
The Islands:
● The Islands are made of the broken,
scattered and weathered corpses of Bathala’s
familiars, surrounded and connected by the
vast Sea.
● The Islands of the Buwaya (Crocodile) is the
northernmost and largest group, with
mountain ranges running parallel along its
back, and rivers and flatland in the valleys
below.
● The Islands of the Pawikan (Sea Turtle) is the
easternmost group, the pieces of its shell are
scattered by the waves.
● The Islands of the Haribon (Eagle) is the
southernmost group, its feathers are light and
inundated, creating many lakes and swamps.
● No one lays claim on the Islands, only live on
them. There is plenty of land for everyone.
The Wilds:
● Home to the Tawo, where they live within
and as part of Nature.
● Home to many creatures; predators, herds,
venomous, winged, among many others.
● Diverse in environments; forests, mountains,
volcanoes, flatlands, rivers, lakes, beaches, and
swamps.
The Underworld:
● Across the islands, openings to the
underworld are used by all, as shelter, as gold
mines, or as the dead’s final resting place.
● Its chambers are connected by corridors,
leading back outside, or deeper and deeper
still.
● There are damp caves made with sinkholes
and erosion, ones made by the flow and
eruptions of lava, and ones where entire rivers
pass underground.
The Sea:
● The Sea surrounds and sustains life in the
Islands.
● It is never a barrier, for it connects all;
communities, travel, trade, even war.
● Underneath the waves is a world often seen,
but very rarely explored; one teeming with life
and, in it’s deepest strata, one of inescapable
darkness and crushing pressure.
6
Divinity
● Everything on these Islands are alive. Spirits
and divinity live in places both tangible and
intangible, in fauna and flora, in creations and
phenomenon. They are called Diwata.
● While most of the higher deities live in their
own ethereal realms, walking among the
natives of the Islands are their agents called
Lower Diwata. They enact their Diwata’s will
and nature.
The Natives:
● The Tawo are the seafaring natives of the
Islands, populating its rivers, seasides, and
mountain peaks. Binmanwa are usually Tawo.
● The Other-Folk do not have the same origins
as the Tawo. Their cultures, temperaments and
appetites are also different. These differences
cause friction and conflict, but they are natives
all the same.
● Halimaw are creatures made monstrous by
enmity, ill will, and sorcery. They are products
of and consumed by hate and fear.
Tawo Culture:
● Tawo live in tight-knit communities called
Barangay.
● Barangays have volatile social castes. The
Datu leads the Barangay in peace, trials, and
war. Timawa are warriors and free Tawo who
follow the Datu as his elites. Oripun are debt
slaves who earn their freedom through labor or
valor in war.
● Every Barangay on the Islands is connected
to another by good will, trade, or war.
● Each Barangay is an independent chiefdom
but many form loose federations, connected by
arranged marriages, trade, mutual protection,
and tributes of gold
Colonization:
● The Colonizers came from a land past the
sunrise, on giant ships with armies of muskets
and cannons.
● They say they want partnerships and trade.
They say they are saviors, come to rescue the
Tawo from heresy. With those words, they have
occupied many Barangays on the Islands.
● Hear the shamans and sorcerers’ visions of
the future brought by the colonizers: A Tawo
who has forgotten who they are and how they
lived; Datus who have taken the Barangay’s
wealth, rather than provide for it; a fire that is
spreading through the Islands, until all is ash.
Labors and Raids:
● Binmanwa are called to action out of
obligation or need (labors), or to seek glory in
violence (raids).
● Venturing out into the wilds, underworld,
and Sea is dangerous. A Binmanwa must
accept that death can come to them anytime.
● Binmanwa prefer cunning to brute force.
War is not a sport, after all. However,
sometimes they will be arrogant and
overconfident. Many Datu have fallen trap to
this, and they are punished by circumstances
and the Diwata.

Names
Here are 200 names, provided for character names. Though there is nothing wrong with using
names in a language you understand.

Abayan, Abtin, Aganad, Agas, Agawin, Agbayani, Agbibilin, Aglibut, Agpalo, Agtutubu, Aguio,
Agyu, Apoy, Araw, Aso Managa, Bagasbas, Bagot-banua, Bagsik, Baguio, Bakay, Balalayao,
Balandra, Balaraw, Balatama, Banaag, Bangkain, Banklak, Banlak, Bantok, Battalan, Batum-
bakal, Baybay, Bayun, Bia, Biagan, Bilog, Binaohan, Bitadlok, Biuag, Bocalan, Bugnos,
Bugtong, Bulakna, Bulanawan, Bulandi, Bulosan, Bunuan, Bunyi, Buso, Buwan, Dahan, Dakila,
Dalisay, Dalit, Dalogdog, Danao, Dayanghirang, Dengdeng, Dilag, Dimaano, Dimaapi,
Dimagiba, Dimailig, Dimalanta, Dimasupil, Dimaya, Dimayuga, Diwa, Dumagas, Dumagat,
Dumalapdap, Dungo, Euminung-gud, Gagalak, Galang, Gipit, Golobatnon, Gumabay, Halili,
Hangad, Hulag-ay, Humadapnin, Huni, Igkasan, Ilagan, Ilaw, Indarapatra, Iro, Kaakbay,
Kabungsuan, Kaeg, Kagampang, Kaibigan, Kalayag, Kalinaw, Kalinga, Kalupitan, Kanlungan,
Karimbang, Karunungan, Katakataka, Katapang, Kaylaw, Kilala, Kimuyog, Kolakog, Kusgano,
Kuyugan, Labaw Dingin, Labis, Lakan-ilaw, Laksamana, Lam-ang, Lamdagan, Langit, Ligaya,
Litaw, Lmabat, Lumaban, Lumanlan, Lumtuad, Lunak, Luwalhati, Mababangloob, Mabini,
Madamba, Madayag, Magana, Maganda, Maglaya, Magpantay, Magtuto, Makabuhay,
Makalinaw, Makalipat, Makapagal, Makasait, Makiling, Malakas, Malaki, Malana, Maliksi,
Manalili, Manalo, Manalon, Manalunta, Manasan, Mangabel, Mangahas, Mangtanggol,
Manibog, Marikit, Masangga, Matamis, Matan-ayon, Matubis, Matulin, Namokatkat, Ondayag,
Pagaspas, Pagunsan, Palaris, Palikpik, Panganiban, Pataksil, Paubari, Pomolau, Puyat,
Ragasa, Sabakan, Sagisag, Saklolo, Salonga, Sanga, Saplala, Sikat, Sulayman, Sulit, Sumarang,
Sumulong, Tabang, Tabil, Taer, Talaw, Tambuwanai, Tanghal, Tanikala, Taposok, Tawan,
Tibayan, Tigas, Timbankaya, Tumakder, Tungol, Tusok, Ulap, Utali, Yakapin, Zula

Content and Safety Tools

The world of Mangayaw is inspired by the stories and culture of the early Philippines. It touches
on distressing topics and themes like war, violence, exploitation, slavery, colonialism, among
others.

But the world is second to player safety. Have a discussion with everyone around the table and
agree on what content should and shouldn’t be included in your game. Consider safety tools
like the X card and lines/veils to ensure everyone is comfortable, having fun, and has the support
they need.

7
 Binmanwa Creation
1 Roll 1d6 to determine your Binmanwa’s Hit
Protection (HP). HP represents a character’s
ability to avoid hits and wounds.
2 Roll 3d6 for each of the 3 Abilities below, in
order. You may swap any two of the results. 2
Lakas: Brawn, fortitude, resilience.
Liksi: Quickness, reflex, balance.
Loob: Discipline, charisma, bravery.
3 Take Rations (3 uses), Torch (3 uses), and 3d6 5
gold tahil (gt).
4 Choose or roll on the Background table.
Take the included item.
5 Choose or roll on each of the Starting
Equipment tables (except for Bonus table)
in the next page. You can skip the Armor to 9
start with Hiwaga (Magic) instead.
6 Choose an Ancestry and name your
Binmanwa.
Ancestries
The Tawo have 5 different ancestries, with
distinct physical features based on what part of
the Mother Tree they were born from. Each
ancestry tends towards different personalities;
use them as a guide in roleplaying, or ignore
them and carve out a unique one.
Physical Features
SMOOTHFOLK: Smooth, hairless skin, adorned
with gold and/or tattoos.
SCALEFOLK: Rough, scaly skin, and long
snouts and tails.
BRISTLEFOLK: Bristly fur, padded hands and
feet, and short stature.
HORNFOLK: Velvety fur, hoofed feet, and
antlers, tusks, or horns.
TREEFOLK: Bodies and limbs of twisting
branches, vines, and leaves.
Personalities
SMOOTHFOLK: Versatile, Free, Blank Slate
SCALEFOLK: Tough, Stubborn, Traditional
BRISTLEFOLK: Tricky, Risk-averse, Unassuming
HORNFOLK: Strong, Eager, Sympathetic
TREEFOLK: Rooted, Mature, Aloof
d20 Backgrounds
This is your Binmanwa’s past profession.
1 BABAYLAN: A healer who uses herbal
science and spiritual intervention. GET:
crocodile teeth
KARAKAL: A merchant connecting
communities with trade. GET: fake jewels
3 MAGSASAKA: A farmer of forest swiddens
and irrigated plains. GET: woven hat
4 MANDARAGAT: A seafarer who braves the
treacherous waves, currents, and reefs
between islands. GET: small flag
MANGANGASO: A hunter who use traps
and trained beasts. GET: bait
6 MANGANGAYAW: A warrior trained in the
7
art of naval warfare. GET: drum
MANGBIBIKAL: A performer of poetic
jousts and debates. GET: betel nut quids
8 MANGGUGUBAT: A warrior trained in
ambushes and forest warfare. GET: dark
paint
MANGINGISDA: A catcher of fish using
nets, and tridents. GET: line and hook
10 MANGKUKULAM: A caster of curses and
harm. GET: a centipede
11 MANGKUKUTKOT: A delver of caves in
search of metal ore and precious stones.
GET: brass pan
12 MANGPAPANA: A hunter trained in the
bow and other ranged weaponry. GET: bird
feathers
13 MANLALANTAK: A warrior trained in
muskets, cannons, and blackpowder. GET:
barrel brush
14 MANINIKTIK: An infiltrator using stealth
and cunning to extract information or
sabotage. GET: bird caller
15 PANDAY SA BULAWAN: A smith of gold
jewelry, decorations, and accessories. GET:
hand file
16 PANDAY SA HABUL: A weaver of
intricately patterned clothes and textiles.
GET: dye woods
17 PANDAY SA KAHOY: A smith of wooden
tools and furniture. GET: chisel
18 PANDAY SA PUTHAW: A smith of iron
tools and weaponry. GET: leather strip
19 PARAAWIT: A singer and keeper of legend
and lore. GET: gong
20 TAGALUTO: A cook of bountiful food
served in feasts. GET: salt block
8
Starting Equipment
You can roll d4, d6, d8, d10, and d12 at the same time, instead of rolling on each table one by one.

d4 Armor d10 Wilderness Gear

1 None 1 Bamboo Pole (Kawayan), 3m
2 Kalasag (Shield) 2 Crossbow Trap (Balatik)
3 Barote (Weaved Armor) 3 Fishing Net (Lambat)
4 Batung-Batung (Chainmail) 4 Hunting Net (Batung)
5 Oar (Sagwan)
d6 Clothes (Cosmetic) 6 Pickaxe (Kotkot)
The common attire in the islands are the 7 Rope (Lubid), 15m
bahag (loincloth) and malong (tube skirt). 8 Snares (Balolong)
Choose or roll for clothing to match your attire. 9 Sickle (Salat)
These don’t take up inventory slots. 10 Shovel (Pala)
1 Alampay (Cape)
2 Baro (Tunic) d12 Tools
3 Gansing (Gown) 1 Alcohol (Alak)
4 Pudong (Turban) 2 Caltrops (Tinik)
5 Hulun (Sash) 3 Cooking Pot (Kawali)
6 Pudung-pudung (headband) 4 Drill (Abluwang)
5 Glass Beads (Butil)
d8 Weapons 6 Grease (Langis)
1 Pamalo (Fighting Stick) 7 Hammer (Palo-palo)
2 Kalis (Wave Edged Sword) 8 Incense (Bango)
3 Sumpit (Blowpipe Spear) 9 Jar (Banga)
4 Sikarom (Bow) 10 Saw (Lagari)
5 Kampilan (Forked Sword) 11 Sticky Paste (Pandikit)
6 Bunang (Crescent Axe) 12 Tongs (Kipit)
7 Sibat (Tethered Spear)
8 Luthang (Musket)

d20 Bonus
Characters with lower stats get bonuses. The table below indicates what form of bonus they get.
If their highest Ability score is 9 or less, roll on table. But if their highest Ability score is 7 or less,
they may choose instead of rolling.
If their HP is 2 or lower, roll on the table.
1-4 Wilderness Gear or Tools 13-16 Oil (p. 21)
5-8 Weapon or Armor 17-18 Anting-anting (p. 21)
9-12 Familiar (may use Horohan stats, p. 15) 19-20 Hiwaga (p. 18-19)

9
 Equipment List
One inventory slot is enough for most items.
Small items like gold tahil (gt) can be stacked
up to 250 in one slot.
Prices are in gold tahil (gt).
Weapon Tags
Blast: has area of effect (see Blast Attacks,
page 12)
Bulky: needs two hands to use
Concealable: easy to hide
Fragile: might break when used in melee
combat; usually has 3 uses
Heavy: can’t be used without proper
placement
Armor
Kalasag (Shield), +1 Armor 10
Barote (Woven Armor), 1 Armor 20
Batung-batung (Plated Chain Armor), 2 40
Armor, bulky
Impaired: weapon not suited for certain
situations (see Attack Modifiers, page 12)
Off-hand: can be carried with off-hand
Parrying: melee damage roll of 1-2 is ignored
Piercing: ignores 1 Armor
Reload: weapon must be reloaded for X rounds

Weapons Tags
Sugob (Bamboo Javelin), d6 ranged damage impaired at far range 2
Pamalo (Fighting Stick), d6 damage off-hand, piercing 5
Kalis (Sword), d6 damage concealed, off-hand 5
Sumpit (Blowpipe Spear), d6 ranged/melee bulky when attacking at range 20
damage
Sikarom (Bow), d8 ranged damage bulky 20
Kampilan (Longsword), d8 damage parrying 10
Bunang (Headhunter Axe), d8 damage piercing
Sibat (Tethered Spear), d8 one-handed/throwing 1 reload, impaired at far range 30
damage, d10 two-handed damage,
Luthang (Musket), d10 ranged damage, d6 melee 1 reload, bulky, piercing ranged 100
damage, 3 uses (replenish with musket munition) damage
Lantaka (Cannon), d12 ranged damage, 1 use 2 reload, blast, heavy, piercing 400
(replenish with cannon munition)

Tools and Gear

Alcohol (Alak) 10 Hunting Net (Batung) 20
Bamboo Pole (Kawayan), 3 meters 6 Incense (Bango), 3 uses 10
Bamboo Section (Hinating Kawayan) 1 Jar (Banga) 10
Bamboo Trumpet (Bodyong) 1 Musket Ammunition (Bala) 20
Basket, Hand-carried (Bayong) 5 Nose Flute (Tongali) 20
Bed Mat, Weaved (Banig) 10 Oar (Sagwan) 10
Betel Nut Quids (Buyo) 10 Pickaxe (Kotkot) 10
Caltrops (Tinik), 3 uses 5 Rations (Pagkain), 3 uses 20
Cannon Ammunition 100 Rope (Lubid), 15 meters 10
Clay (Luwad) 1 Sand (Buhangin) 1
Cooking Pot (Kawali) 10 Saw (Lagari) 10
Crossbow Trap (Balatik) 20 Shovel (Pala) 10
Drill (Abluwang) 10 Sickle (Salat) 10
Drum (Dabakan) 20 Snare (Balolong) 10
Fishing Net (Lambat) 10 Sticky Paste (Pandikit) 10
Glass Beads (Butil), 3 uses 5 String Instrument (Kudyapi) 20
Gong (Agung) 20 Tongs (Kipit) 10
Grease (Langis) 10 Top (Kasing) 1
Gunpowder (Mesyu) 100 Torches (Tanglaw), 3 uses 5
Hammer (Palo-palo) 10

10
Ships
Baroto (Dugout Canoe), 3 HP, 3 LAKAS
Paraw (Outrigger Boat), 4 HP, 6 LAKAS, 11 LIKSI
Balangay (Seafarer Ship), 5 HP, 1 Armor, 8 LAKAS, 12 LIKSI, 1 Lipon
Karakoa (Seafarer Warship), 6 HP, 1 Armor, 10 LAKAS, 14 LIKSI, 2 Lipon
Galleon, 6 HP, 3 Armor, 18 LAKAS, 6 LIKSI, 4 Crew
Item Descriptions
Agung: made of bronze; played with a stick.
Balangay: sailed plank-built boat regularly
used to travel between islands; kept balanced
with bamboo outriggers, protects from the
elements with roof.
Balatik: trap that shoots a sharpened stick or
bamboo when a rope is tripped.
Banig: mat woven from palm or pandan leaves;
rolled for transport.
Barote: light armor woven of abaca or bark
cords.
Baroto: boat carved from a large tree; small
enough for one man to carry.
Batung: large net tied between two trees;
hunters chase prey into these.
Batung-batung: armor made of plates of
bamboo, hardwood, or animal horns or hides,
held together by iron chains.
Bunang: axe with a crescent head; like a cross
between a cleaver and a pickaxe.
Buyo: offered and chewed in social situations;
equivalent of cigarettes in this setting.
Dabakan: single goblet-shaped drum; can be
played with hand or with sticks.
Hinating Kawayan: hollow bamboo sections
can be used as containers or for cooking,
among other things.
Kalasag: circular or rectangular shield made of
hardwood or light, corky wood.
Kalis: double-edged sword with a wavy blade
and a pistol grip.
Kampilan: long, single-edged sword with a
forked point and hardwood hilt.
11
100
500
2000
5000
-
Karakoa: sailed plank-built boat bigger than
Balangay regularly used to travel between
islands; kept balanced with bamboo
outriggers, protects from the elements with
roof, and has a fighting deck to support more
warriors.
Kawali: usually made of clay; iron pots are rare.
Luthang: fitted with bayonet.
Pagkain: general term for food; smoked, salted,
and pickled meats, or fruit keep for a few days.
Pala: carved from wood.
Palo-palo: stone mallet used in blacksmithing.
Pamalo: smoothed stick made of hardwood;
ones made with rattan are used for training.
Paraw: sailed boat bigger than Baroto;
balanced with bamboo outriggers.
Sibat: spear with a leaf-shaped or wavy,
double-edged, 30 cm head; tethered to the
user with a rope for easy retrieval.
Sugob: sharpened or fire-hardened bamboo,
with the last section loaded with sand.
Sumpit: long hollow blowpipe used to project
20 cm darts; fitted with a bayonet.
Tanglaw: bundle of fibers, doused in
flammable substance, stuck on end of
bamboo.
Tinik: plant thorns or fish bones large enough
to be nuisance to step on.
Tongali: four-holed bamboo flute played with
air from nose.
 General rules
Abilities and Saves
When performing a risky maneuver or making
a dangerous choice, the Binmanwa makes a
Save. Players roll a d20 for an appropriate
Ability score. If they roll equal to or under that
ability score, they pass. Otherwise, they fail. A
result of a 1 is always a success, and a 20 always
is a failure.
Each of the three abilities are used in different
circumstances:
LAKAS: Used for saves requiring physical
power, like lifting, breaking, resisting poison,
etc.
LIKSI: Used for saves requiring poise, speed
and reflexes, like dodging, climbing, sneaking,
balancing, etc.
LOOB: Used for saves to persuade, deceive,
interrogate, intimidate, charm, provoke,
invoking spiritual or magical power, etc.
Hit Protection
Hit Protection (HP) reflects a character’s ability are marked on your character sheet with an
to avoid damage. HP does not indicate a
character’s health or fortitude, nor do they lose (usually 1, 3, or 6), the item is depleted or
it for very long (see Healing and Rest).
Movement and Ranges
Movement ranges, from nearest to farthest, are
ordered as: Close > Nearby > Far > Distant.
Moving shifts a Binanwa’s position one step
along the ranges, whether it be moving nearer
or farther from an NPC, object, or location.
Inventory
Binmanwa have a total of 10 inventory slots: 1
main hand slot, 1 off-hand slot, 2 upper body
slots (waist, chest, head), and 6 backpack slots.
Slots are abstract and can be rearranged per
the Mangaawit’s discretion.
Bulky items typically take up two slots or are
too awkward to carry with one hand.
Anyone carrying a full inventory (e.g. filling all
10 slots) is reduced to 0 HP.
A Binmanwa cannot carry more items than
their inventory allows. Boats can carry cargo,
but are not usable outside of water. Beasts of
burden are rare as their travel is disrupted by
the rivers and Sea. Horohan can be paid to
carry equipment.
Item Usage
Some consumables and items have uses. Uses
asterisk. After a maximum amount of uses
destroyed. Uses can be cleared by repairing,
recharging, or refilling.
Mark use on items when:
● The Die of Fate rolls 3 or under after using
item.
● The Mangaawit deems it has been used
enough.

Melee weapons hit in Close range. Ranged Conditions

weapons hit in Nearby and Far ranges, but not Conditions are negative effects suffered by
Close or Distant. your Binmanwa. They occupy an inventory slot
and may have additional effects as long as it
For less abstracted movement ranges, consider remains in your inventory. Binmanwa can carry
one movement range as 30ft or 10m. multiple copies of the same condition.

Time Conditions can only be removed by meeting

Use rounds, turns, and watches to keep time-
tracking quick and abstract. A round is ten
seconds. A turn is roughly 10 minutes. A watch
is 6 hours.
Healing and Rest
Resting for a turn and having a drink of water
restores lost HP, but leaves the party exposed.
Resting for a watch and having a meal may
restore ability score loss, if a save is successful. after resting for a watch.
Resting for a week restores all ability score loss.
their clear requirement.
The most common form of conditions is
Fatigue, suffered as a result of events
occurring in the fiction or by invoking specific
Hiwaga (p. 16). More conditions, suffered by
invoking other Hiwaga, are detailed in page 18.
FATIGUE: takes up slot without benefit. CLEAR:

12
Deprivation and Fatigue
Anyone deprived of a crucial need (like food
and water) is unable to benefit from any
healing. If a Binmanwa is deprived for more
than a day, they add a fatigue point to their
inventory. Fatigue typically occupies a slot
without benefit.

Armor
Before calculating damage to HP, subtract the
target’s Armor value from the results of
damage rolls. Items such as shields provide
bonus defense, but only while the item is held.

Some armor can be stacked together, resulting

in a cumulative effect. It is impossible to have
more than 3 Armor, but shields may provide
additional benefits according to their use.

Wearing no armor at all has advantageous

effects to the combat initiative of a group of
Binmanwa, at the cost of a severe lack of
protection (see Initiative, page 14).

Horohan/Hirelings
Players can hire horohan to aid their
adventures in various ways. Horohan are
usually paid between 1-3gt a day, or a share of
whatever treasure the party obtains.

To create a common horohan, roll 3d6 for each

Ability Score, then give them 1d6 HP and a
pamalo (p. 12).

13
 War and Violence
Initiative
Combat is played in a series of rounds. The
Mangaawit will telegraph the most likely
actions taken by non-player characters (NPCs).
When against unsuspecting foes, the
ambushing side gets to act first. If unsure who
acts first, the Binmanwa must make a LIKSI
save to act before their foes.
A Binmanwa with 0 Armor automatically acts
before their foes, if no other factor hinders
them. Weigh the advantages and detriments,
for a Binmanwa must choose their armor
wisely.
Actions
On their turn, characters may move from one
movement range to the next, and take up to
one action. This action may be invoking
Hiwaga, attacking, making a second move, or
any other action deemed reasonable by the
Mangaawit. Each round, players must declare
what they are doing before dice are rolled.
If a character attempts something risky, the
Mangaawit calls for a save for appropriate
players or NPCs.
Attacking and Damage
The attacker rolls their weapon die and
subtracts the target’s armor, then deals the
remaining total to their opponent’s HP.
Unarmed attacks always do 1d4 damage.
If multiple attackers target the same foe, roll all through intensive rest or by extraordinary
damage dice and keep the single highest
result. The same is done when attacking with
dual weapons; roll for both damage dice and
keep the single highest result.
Attack Modifiers
If fighting from a position of weakness (such as
through cover or with bound hands), the attack
is impaired, and the attacker must roll 1d4
damage regardless of weapon.
If fighting from a position of advantage (such
as against a helpless foe or through a daring
maneuver), the attack is enhanced, allowing
the attacker to roll 1d12 damage instead of their
normal die.
14
Blast Attacks
Attacks with the blast quality affects all targets
in a noted area, rolling separately for each
affected character. Blast refers to anything
from cannon fire to huge cleaving onslaughts
to the impact of a meteorite. If unsure how
many targets can be affected, roll the related
damage die for a result.
Critical Damage
Damage beyond HP damages a target’s
LAKAS. They must then make a LAKAS save to
avoid critical damage. Some NPCs will have
special abilities or effects that are triggered
when their target fails a critical damage save.
Any character that suffers critical damage
cannot do anything but crawl weakly, grasping
for life. If given aid and rest, they will stabilize.
Otherwise, they die within the hour if left
untended.
Retreat
Running away from a dire situation always
requires a successful LIKSI save, as well as a
safe destination to run to.
Ability Score Loss and Death
If a character’s LAKAS is reduced to 0, they die.
If their LIKSI is reduced to 0, they are paralyzed.
If their LOOB is reduced to 0, they are delirious.
Complete LIKSI and LOOB loss renders the
character unable to act until they are restored
means.
When a Binmanwa dies, the player is free to
create a new Binmanwa or take control of a
Horohan. They immediately join the party in
order to reduce downtime.
Lipon/Crew
Large groups of similar combatants fighting
together are treated as a single Lipon or Crew.
When a Lipon takes critical damage, it is
routed or significantly weakened. When it
reaches 0 LAKAS, it is destroyed.
Attacks against Lipon by individuals are
impaired, excluding blast damage.
Attacks against individuals by Lipon are
enhanced and deal blast damage.
Ships
In naval combat, assign to different Binmanwa
different elements of a ship, such as movement
or a Lipon.
Ships ignore attacks weaker than a cannon.
Lipon and crew are open to any ranged attack,
however.
LIKSI determines a ship’s speed. The higher the
LIKSI, the faster it acts in a round.

Equipping a Lipon costs twenty times the Critical damage on a ship disables it. Boarding
individual item cost. a disabled ship always succeeds. Boarding a
moving ship should be difficult but not
impossible, given the right plan and method.

Scars
When an attack reduces a Binmanwa’s HP to exactly 0, they are uniquely impacted. Look up the
result on the table below based on the total damage taken:
1 Lasting Scar: Roll 1d6 | 1: Neck, 2: Hands, 3: Face, 4: Chest, 5: Legs, 6: Back | Roll 1d6. If the
total is higher than your max HP, take the new result.
2 Rattling Blow: You’re disoriented and shaken. Describe how you refocus. Roll 1d6. If the
total is higher than your max HP, take the new result.
3 Walloped: You’re sent flying and land flat on your face, winded. You are deprived until you
rest for a few hours. Then, roll 1d6. Add that amount to your max HP.
4 Broken Limb: Roll 1d6 | 1-2: Leg, 3-4: Arm, 5: Rib, 6: Skull | Once mended, roll 2d6. If the total
is higher than your max HP, take the new result.
5 Diseased: You’re afflicted with a gross, uncomfortable infection. When you get over it, roll
2d6. If the total is higher than your max HP, take the new result.
6 Reorienting Head Wound: Roll 1d6 | 1-2: LAKAS, 3-4: LIKSI, 5-6: LOOB | Roll 3d6. If the total is
higher than your current ability score, take the new result.
7 Hamstrung: You can barely move until you get serious help or rest. After recovery, roll 3d6. If
the total is higher than your max LIKSI, take the new result.
8 Deafened: You cannot hear anything until you find extraordinary aid. Regardless, make a
LOOB save. If you pass, increase your max LOOB by 1d4.
9 Re-brained: Some hidden part of your psyche is knocked loose. Roll 3d6. If the total is higher
than your max LOOB, take the new result.
10 Sundered: An appendage is torn off, crippled or useless. The Mangaawit will tell you which.
Then, make a LOOB save. If you pass, increase your max LOOB by 1d6.
11 Mortal Wound: You are deprived and out of action. You die in one hour unless healed. Upon
recovery, roll 2d6. Take the new result as your max HP.
12 Doomed: Death seemed ever so close, but somehow you survived. If your next save against
critical damage is a fail, you die horribly. If you pass, roll 3d6. If the total is higher than your
max HP, take the new result.

15
 Sorcery and Magic
Hiwaga
Hiwaga is the mysterious, mystical, and magical. Tawo harnesses Hiwaga using incantations of
two words, causing magical effects upon the caster or their surroundings. These words are
gained from willing teachers; for example, a Babaylan who owes you a favor, an Aswang
begging for his life, or a Diwata who is fond of you.

There are 6 base words: Agaw (Seize), Tawag (Call), Bawi (Free), Kulam (Curse), Baliw (Change),
and Tuga (Gift). Secondaries can be gained at any order, but the higher the number, the more
difficult the task or trial that teachers might give before they impart their knowledge.

The form of the Hiwaga can be different from one character to another. One may read the
Hiwaga from the stars and sky. Another may have a spirit whisper it in their ear. Another may
have the words tattooed to their body.

Words of Hiwaga
AGAW. Seize from your enemies from Near or Far. May what you take be helpful to you and
harmful to them.
1. AGAW ISIP: Seize the thoughts running through someone's mind. Their secrets, or passing
thoughts, are yours. (suffer FATIGUE)
2. AGAW GALAW: Seize someone’s momentum for a turn, forcing them in place while
augmenting your own movement. You are an usa and they are a pagong. (suffer FATIGUE)
3. AGAW BUNGA: Seize the magical effects affecting an object or creature temporarily, whether
beneficial or detrimental. A double edged technique. (suffer KLEPTOMANIA)
4. AGAW BUNGA: Seize an object you can carry and pull it towards you. Remember to seize by
the grip and not the blade. (suffer KLEPTOMANIA)
5. AGAW KATAWAN: Seize someone’s body, overtaking their soul and giving you control over
their actions temporarily. (suffer PARANOID)

TAWAG. Call and speak to the spirits of the natives of these islands. You only call their attention,
not control them. You might find that building a relationship is mutually beneficial.
1. TAWAG HALAMAN: Call the vibrant plants and trees. They are connected through the dirt
and waters. (suffer FATIGUE)
2. TAWAG HAYOP: Call magnificent beasts. Treat them with respect; they are natives like you.
(suffer FATIGUE)
3. TAWAG TAWO: Call the selfish Tawo or eccentric Other-Folk. Careful, they are not used to
voices speaking in their heads. (suffer HEARING VOICES)
4. TAWAG UMALAGAD: Call the ancient Umalagad. They are like doting grandparents; tell them
of your exploits and follow their ideals, and they will aid you. (suffer HEARING VOICES)
5. TAWAG DIWATA: Call the phenomenal Diwata. Endure their labors and you will reap their
favor. (suffer DUTY BOUND)

BAWI. Free others from what ails them. Long for the day there is true and lasting harmony in
these Islands. Until that day comes, your words are needed.
1. BAWI TAKOT: Free someone from the limits of fear. The recklessness coming from the lack of
fear is a weapon in itself. (suffer FATIGUE)
2. BAWI SAKIT: Free someone from the illness or sorcery that harms them. Ailments and curses
are exceedingly common in these islands. (suffer FATIGUE)
3. BAWI SUGAT: Free someone from their wounds and pain. Roll a d6, that is how much LAKAS
you restore. (suffer NAUSEOUS)
4. BAWI PANGANIB: Free yourself from danger. Nearby enemies will strongly feel to leave your
presence. (suffer NAUSEOUS)
5. BAWI KAMATAYAN: Free someone from certain death. You cannot restore everything they
lost, but they will live. (suffer DESENSITIZED)

16
KULAM. Curse your enemies with the vilest of sorceries. These are the words of witches and
cowardly datu, but one cannot deny their usefulness.
1. LIGAW KULAM: Curse a foe with a blindness to directions. For d8 days, they will be like a lost
child, never finding their way. (suffer FATIGUE)
2. SALOT KULAM: Curse a foe with a swarm of pests. A cloud of insects to bite them in their
sleep, or a stream of rats to decimate their farms. (suffer FATIGUE)
3. SUKO KULAM: Curse a foe to have an intense fear of you that they will not harm you for a day.
Plots and schemes too far removed from them are fair game, however. (suffer ANXIOUS)
4. MAGA KULAM: Curse a foe’s body part to swell to grotesque size. The swelling turns common
actions into hard labors and will worsen if left untreated. (suffer ANXIOUS)
5. KAMATAYAN KULAM: Curse a foe and ensure their demise. Someone cursed with death shall
perish with the slightest bump or the shallowest wound. (suffer DEATHLY LOOK)

BALIW. Change yourself and others, form and soul. Do not reject it; change is a necessary part
of life.
1. BALIW UGALI: Change someone’s current temperament. A community places trust in the
consistency of personality; weaponize that trust. (suffer FATIGUE)
2. BALIW TANAW: Change everyone’s perception for you. They might avert their eyes from you
and what you do, or you might appear dressed with gold in every extremity. (suffer FATIGUE)
3. BALIW BIYAS: Change a part of your body into another form temporarily. Tongue into long
bloodsucker, teeth into fangs, arms into wings. (suffer AVERSION TO SPICE)
4. BALIW ALAALA: Change someone’s memory. Memories have always been unreliable and
easy to manipulate anyways. (suffer AVERSION TO SPICE)
5. BALIW ANYO: Change your entire body into another form temporarily. Why have you chosen
a body so unlike your own? (suffer TASTE FOR FLESH)

TUGA. The spirits of your ancestors have given you a gift. They are versed in the methods of
violence and augmentation, and their words will surely be of great use in these Islands.
1. TANAW TUGA: Receive the gift of the seeking sight. What do you seek? The glint of gold?
The way forward? Or to see others for how they really are? (suffer FATIGUE)
2. KALASAG TUGA: Receive the gift of protection. Whatever may normally harm you will be like
a breeze, and the protection dissipates along with it. (suffer FATIGUE)
3. SANDATA TUGA: Receive the gift of armament. Increase the force of your blows, by way of
enhanced or blast attacks. (suffer BOISTEROUS)
4. KAMANDAG TUGA: Receive the gift of venom. The beasts of these islands have long utilized
this flesh-eating power; now you too can augment objects with it. (see BOISTEROUS)
5. LANTAKA TUGA: Receive the gift of cannons. Wherever you point will explode with the force
of Si-Gantar Alam. (suffer BLOODLUST)

Invoking Hiwaga Mastery of Hiwaga

A character can chant the words of their
Hiwaga with hands free or wielding a weapon.
In doing so, they suffer a Condition (p. 12)
which takes up an inventory slot. Conditions
stack, and one can chant words of Hiwaga until
they run out of inventory slots. See the list of
Hiwaga Conditions in page 18.
Once a Binmanwa has gained all five
secondaries of a base word, they have
mastered that Hiwaga. Masters of a Hiwaga
understand its very essence and meaning. Like
a goldsmith handling the precious, malleable
metal, Masters can extend and reform its
meaning by inventing new secondaries.

Given time and safety, characters can enhance The Mangaawit and player must agree that the
Hiwaga (e.g. affecting multiple targets, new secondary fits the base Hiwaga.
increasing its power, etc.) without any Compromise on the effects, keep it short and
additional cost. evocative. Take one of the Condition costs in
page 18, or make up your own.
If the character is deprived or in danger, the
Warden may require a LOOB save to avoid any
ill-effects. Consequences of failure are on par
with the intended effect, and may result in
Fatigue, injury, or even death.

17
Hiwaga Conditions
KLEPTOMANIA: The allure of wealth is hard to
resist. CLEAR: rest for a watch
HEARING VOICES: Your soul is confused,
weakening your mind. CLEAR: rest for a watch
NAUSOUS: The sight and act of violence and
gore disgusts you. CLEAR: rest for a watch
ANXIOUS: Crowds and confrontation make you
nervous. CLEAR: rest for a watch
SPICE INTOLERANT: Salt and spices disgust
you, so food prepared by others inedible.
CLEAR: rest for a watch
BOISTEROUS: You cannot help but be loud and
excited, often about your own exploits, CLEAR:
rest for a watch
PARANOID: Trust no one else, you’re the only
one who can protect yourself. CLEAR: spend a
watch in recreation with friends
DUTY BOUND: The divine expects something
in return for their aid; an errand for an errand, a
trial for a phenomenon. CLEAR: do what is
asked of you
DESENSITIZED: It’s difficult to care for the
safety of yourself and of others around you.
CLEAR: meditate for a day about the good you
do
DEATHLY LOOK: Others think they will be
cursed if you do so much as look at them.
CLEAR: prove them right or wrong, and rest for
a watch
TASTE FOR FLESH: You are turning into a
monster, desiring the flesh of your fellow Tawo.
CLEAR: abstain from eating for a day
BLOODLUST: Violence begets violence, and
you don’t want the cycle to end with you.
CLEAR: host a feast with your allies
Mentala
Mentala are bamboo slates with formulas and
incantations etched onto them. Reading them
will cast sorceries and magic. They do not
cause Fatigue, and they take up an inventory
slot to carry, but burn up after one use.
Mentala are usually found in the wilderness
and underworld, but a knowledgeable sorcerer
can be commissioned to make one in d4
weeks in exchange for gold or a favor.
Anting-anting
Anting-anting are objects of magical power.
They do not cause Fatigue. Some have a
balance of beneficial and detrimental effects,
some have a limited amount of uses (see Item
Usage, page 10). Recharging is unique to each
Anting-anting.
Oils
Herbs and other ingredients are infused in oil,
providing various effects when applied to the
body. They are found in small clay jars and are
usually fully consumed after 1 use.

Other Hiwaga Application

Words and incantations are how the Tawo use
the magical and spiritual forces of Hiwaga, but
it is not the only way.

Some Other-Folk and Diwata inherently know

and are magic and uses them in general
actions and combat.

There are sorcerers from foreign lands that

chant from Spellbooks, and others that
combine random words of power for a limitless
number of effects.

18
d6 Oils
1 Oil of Antidote, 1 use. Lagtang roots infused in oil. Apply it on affected wounds to neutralize
poisons and venoms.
2 Oil of Camouflage, 1 use. Octopus tentacles infused in oil. Apply it on skin to blend with the
colors of the environment for a turn.
3 Oil of Fire Resistance, 1 use. Kalampisaw roots infused in oil. Apply it on skin to protect one
from intense heat for a turn.
4 Oil of Hardwood Skin, 1 use. Narra bark infused in oil. Apply it on skin to harden it, acting as
natural armor for a turn, but without the extra weight.
5 Oil of Venom, 1 use. Venom glands infused in oil. One kind harms LAKAS, and another
harms LIKSI.
6 Oil of Wings, 1 use. Bat fur infused in oil. Apply it on arms and they transform into bat wings,
giving the ability of flight for a turn.

d30 Anting-anting
1-2 Agimat of the Alupihan, 1 use. A wooden amulet in the shape of a centipede’s head.
Wear it and cause plants and bamboo to bend away from you. Recharge: hang it on the
branch of a makahiya plant.
3-4 Agimat of Creature Tongue. A golden amulet in the shape of a clam shell. Feed it the
essence of a creature to understand that creature’s language for an hour, forgetting
every other language until the effect disappears.
5-6 Agimat of Water Stepping, 3 uses. A wooden amulet in the shape of a water strider.
Wear it and be able to step on the surface of the water for a round. Recharge: let it float
on still water for an hour.
7-8 Alitaptanglaw. A sweet-smelling branch which fireflies flock to. Provides a light source
that does not burn or burn out, unless the fireflies die from external forces. Recharge:
wander in a forest holding the branch.
9-10 Anito of Habagat, 1 use. A hardwood statuette of a Diwata with an aura of mist. Pray to it
to summon a storm, but know that you are not exempt from the destruction. Recharge:
pray to it on top of a mountain from sunset to sunrise.
11-12 Inalok Ladle, 1 use. A wooden ladle with a stone handle. Anyone who eats from it is
instantly turned to stone. Recharge: steep it in a bath of silt for a day.
13-14 Kalasag of Featherfall, 3 uses. A rattan shield that weighs incredibly light. Hold it above
your head as you fall to glide like a leaf in the wind. Recharge: let it bathe in the breeze
of the evening.
15-16 Kisap Sibat, 1 use. A sibat (see Weapons, p. 10) with a jade head. Throw it and find
yourself transported where the spear has landed. Recharge: clean the spearhead, make
it shine again.
17-18 Mananangal Kalis, 3 uses. A kalis (see Weapons, p. 10) with a hilt shaped like a bat’s
wing. Wield it and the blade will detach and fly at your command up to far range.
Recharge: infuse it in oil and bat fur overnight.
19-20 Matling’s Tongali, 1 use. A nose flute with unreadable characters engraved on it. Play a
tune and everyone’s armor nearby will fall to the ground. Recharge: play on it again to a
willing audience, no matter how bad the performance is.
21-22 Buntot Pagi, 3 uses. A short whip (d6) made of a stingray tail, with barbs along its
length. Swing it at a flesh-eater or bloodsucker, ignoring any armor. Critical damage will
turn them into a bloody mush, at the cost of durability. Recharge: feed it your own flesh
and blood, take d6 LAKAS damage.
23-24 Suklay of Slumber, 1 use. A comb with a golden frame. Run it through anyone’s hair and
eternal slumber falls on them. Another combing will wake them up, without needing to
recharge. Recharge: Place it under the bed or mat of someone having a nightmare.
25-26 Talipahon. An untethered sibat (see Weapons, p. 10) decorated with intricate golden
feathers. Throw it at far range and its damage is enhanced, but use it in melee and its
damage is impaired.
27-28 Tonina’s Headdress, 1 use. A headdress of gold with snake motifs. Wear it and no one
may recognize you for an hour. Recharge: bathe it in a snake’s blood.
29-30 Tuwaang’s Kalasag, 3 uses. A shield made of hardwood planks. Call out it’s original
master’s name to transform it into a dugout canoe and back. Recharge: dry it out by
covering it in salt for a day.

19
 Non-player characters
Non-Player Characters (NPC) are Tawo, Other-
Folk, Halimaw, or Foreigners that are controlled
by the Mangangawit rather than the players.
They are allies, foes, opportunities or obstacles
to the players. In general, interaction with them
makes the fiction flow in interesting directions.
They have a simplified set of stats and abilities
compared to the Binmanwa. If no ability score
is indicated, assume it’s 10.
Do not take the NPC stats provided as gospel.
Instead, use them as a guide. You can run
them as is, or make reasonable changes to
make encounters less or more challenging.
To easily referee NPCs with magic without
tracking fatigue, the Mangaawit should give
them one or two appropriate Hiwaga words (or
spells from other systems). Weak magic has at
most 3 uses, while powerful magic can only be
used once.
Reactions
When the PCs encounter an NPC whose
reaction to the party is not obvious, the
Warden may roll 2d6 and consult the following
table:
2 3-5 6-8 9-11 12
Hostile Wary Curious Kind Helpful
Morale
Enemies must pass a LOOB save to avoid
fleeing when they take their first casualty, and
again when they lose half their number.
Some groups may use their leader’s LOOB in
place of their own. Lone foes must save when
they’re reduced to 0 HP. Morale does not affect
Binmanwa.
20
Tawo Warriors
Horohan, 3 HP, pamalo (d6)
● Young warriors looking to prove themselves
in combat, and debt slaves looking to repay
their debt with loot.
Mangangaso, 6 HP, 12 LIKSI, sikarom (d8)
● Hunters of forest game who use hunting
beasts and traps.
Manggugubat, 6 HP, 1 Armor, 12 LAKAS, 12
LOOB, sibat (d8)
● Proven warriors who have survived many
raids.
Manglalantak, 4 HP, 1 Armor, 12 LAKAS,
luthang (d10)
● Warriors who could afford to use and train
with gunpowder weaponry.
Babaylan/Manggagaway, 4 HP, 12 LOOB, kalis
(d6), 2 Bawi or Kulam Hiwaga
● Sorcerers are generally not found in the
frontlines, but their presence can turn the tide
of War.
● Healing and curses are of the same tree
study; it is morality that differentiates a
sorcerer from another.
Karanduun, 9 HP, 2 Armor, 14 LAKAS, 12 LOOB,
any weapon, 1 Tuga Hiwaga or 1 Anting-anting
● Legendary datus or warriors whose exploits
and legends take many nights to sing of.
Other-Folk
Aswang, 4 HP, 12 LAKAS or LIKSI, 8 LOOB, grab
(d6)
● Nocturnal flesh-eaters; looks similar to Tawo
until they shapeshift.
● Targets lonesome or weak individuals
● Roll d6 for the Aswang’s special ability | 1.
Torso detaches and flies with bat wings, 2.
Takes on a bestial form, 3. Has long tongue
bloodsucker, 4. Invulnerable to specific forms
of damage, 5. Exerts extraordinary bodily
strength, 6. Knows 1-2 Kulam Hiwaga |
● Weak to salt, ash, or garlic.
● Critical damage: flesh-eater (1d6 extra LAKAS
damage)
Dambuhala, 8 HP, 3 Armor, 18 LAKAS, 12 LOOB
log spear (d10 blast)
● Enormous and proud; protective of their
territories.
● Throws trees and rocks to incredible
distances.
Kataw, 6 HP, 1 Armor, 14 LIKSI, swordfish bill
(d8)
● Sentinels of the Sea; similarly built to Tawo
but with scales instead of fur, sharkskin instead just ignore you.
of reptilian hides, seaweed instead of leaves,
and covered in fins and gills.
● They control water like an extension of their
bodies, for they are are part of the Sea.
Wiwit, 8 HP, 6 LOOB draining touch (d6,
damages LOOB after HP)
● Souls of the dead. They roam the dark caves
of the underworld.
● Some are content with their afterlife, but
many are still desperate to escape the
underworld.
● Critical damage: takes possession of the
victim’s body (Make LOOB Save to reclaim
body).
Umalagad, 10 HP, 1 Armor, 8 LOOB, any
weapon, 1 Hiwaga or 1 Anting-anting
● Ancestor spirits appear in their prime and
their most extravagant garb.
● Generally happy to help descendants who
follow their ideals and morality.
Lolo, 6 HP, 3 Armor, 18 LAKAS, 6 LIKSI, 14 LOOB,
bite (d10), tail swipe (d8 blast), 2 of any Hiwaga
● A form of Umalagad, reserved only for
ancestors whose legends are larger-than-life;
they appear as crocodiles whose size make
rivers overflow.
● They lend a hand to descendants who
impresses them, but always with a motive of
continuing their own legend.
● Critical damage: swallows the victim whole.
Nuno, 2 Kulam Hiwaga
● Incredibly territorial diminutive folk. They live
in anthills, termites, and similar mounds.
● If their home and surrounding area are
intruded on, they will not hesitate to curse the
perpetrator. Pay respect to them by saying
“Tabi-tabi po” while passing, and they might
● Generally does not fight and would flee at the
first whiff of violence, but one should beware a
nuno with a grudge.
21
Colonizers
Mosquetero, 4 HP, 1 Armor, musket (d10)
● Foot soldiers of the colonizers.
● Forms into firing lines (crew) to overcome
long reload times (d10 blast, no reload).
● Anyone who gets close are stabbed with
their bayonets.
Caballero, 6 HP, 3 Armor, 14 LAKAS, polearm
(d10)
● Armored, mounted knights of the colonizers.
● Leading Mosqueteros atop gallant steeds.
Preachers of the Fire, 4 HP, 1 Armor, 16 LOOB,
mace (d8), Santelmo’s Fire (Spellbook),
Protecting Light, (Spellbook)
● They wear robes that are as if burning, their
eyes are a searing white.
● They preach of goodness as they send others
to die.
● Santelmo’s Fire: Fiery souls of saints, at beck
and call.
● Protecting Light: To save and protect,
summon a wall of Light that incinerates all that
passes through.
● Critical damage: Immolate the unbelievers
(make a LOOB save to avoid catching on fire)
Foreign Merchants/Pirates
Samot Sailor, 6 HP, 1 Armor, 12 LIKSI, musket
(d10)
● Seafarers from the neverending lands in the
north or the neighboring islands in the south.
The Tawo are connected with them through
trade or war, as well.
Samot Captain, 9 HP, 2 Armor, 12 LIKSI, 14
LOOB, sword or saber (d8), 1 Anting-anting or
Magical Item
● Only the toughest survive at sea, and only the capture them; their victims are never seen
best and most charismatic among them are
followed as a captain.
Halimaw
Amalanhig, 3 HP, 6 LIKSI, grab+bite (d6+d6)
● Animated rotting corpses.
● Does not roll for Morale. They came from a
desire of a perfect raiding force, one that does
not tire or flee.
● Critical damage: flesh-eater (1d6 extra LAKAS
damage).
Tiyanak, 12 HP, 6 LAKAS, 12 LIKSI, claws+bite
(d6+d6)
● Abandoned infants, consumed by hate of
their parents; they now only desire the warmth
of the blood of victims lured by their crying.
● Critical damage: blood loss (1 LAKAS damage
every round until patched up).
Sigbin, 10 HP, 8 LAKAS, 12 LIKSI, bite (d8), tail
whip (d6 blast)
● A dog-like creature devoid of fur, with its
head at the back and a whip tail at the front.
● Familiar of the Aswang; they follow their
creator’s every command.
● Critical damage: shadow-eater (1d6 LOOB
damage)
Busaw, 8 HP, 6 LOOB, claws+bite (d6+d8)
● Hairless, sharp teeth and claws, and skin
caked with blood.
● Former Tawo who developed a taste for
corpses after getting lost in the underworld.
● Critical damage: flesh-eater (1d6 extra LAKAS
damage)
Tigbalang, 6 HP, 1 Armor, 12 LAKAS, 6 LOOB,
arm (d8 or d6 blast)
● A bipedal creature with long, slender limbs
and hair all over.
● Known to stalk folk they are fond of and
again.
● Critical damage: captures the victim and
flees.
Gawigawen, 6 HP, 3 Armor, 16 LAKAS, giant axe
(d10/d8 blast)
● Six-headed giant composed of viscera and
flesh found on battlefields.
● Does not roll for Morale.
● The abundance of corpses around them
sustains them for 3 HP per round; they are
persistent, like the War they are born from.
22
Lower Diwata
Salot ni Makaptan, 6 HP, 6 LIKSI, 16 LOOB,
unarmed (d6)
● Moist, bloated corpses with ever open
mouths, swarmed with mosquitoes.
● Generally stays in swamps and rivers, but are
sometimes sent to terrorize a barangay.
● Out from its gaping mouth comes clouds of
bloodsucking insects, carrying a multitude of
diseases.
Bantay Alimugkat, 10 HP, 3 Armor, 16 LAKAS, 18
LOOB, tail slam (d10)
● Whale sharks whose backs reflect the clear
night sky.
● Gentle giants to all but the enemies of the
Sea.
● Immune to the push and pulls, and pressures
of the Sea, but weakens when away from the
Sea.
● With a graceful movement, giant waves are
spawned, currents are redirected, and tides are
reversed.
Bantay Banwanun, 12 HP, 2 Armor, 12 LAKAS, 14
LIKSI, 18 LOOB, bite or antlers (d10)
● Large, stalking tigers, or giant, graceful deers.
● Guardians of the forests; hunters offer their
first kill of the day as a tribute.
● Immune to weapons made of iron, but weak
to fire.
● Critical damage: blood loss (d4 LAKAS
damage every round); they will accept the
fallen as offering and leave with them.
Anak Habagat, 15 HP, 18 LAKAS, storm dance
(d8)
● Dancing, swirling condensed clouds of
Habagat’s storms, followed by bigger storms.
● They continue Habagat’s seasonal dance,
without a care for the destruction it causes.
● Immune to lightning, but weak to other
sources of winds.
● A crackling arc of pure energy reaches out
from inside to anyone close.
23
Anak Amihan, 15 HP, 18 LIKSI, claws (d10)
● Giant birds whose wings could change the
currents of the winds.
● They start their flight in Amihan’s season,
blowing away the remnants of Habagat’s storm
clouds.
● Immune to strong winds, but weak to
lightning.
● With the flap of wings, a gust sweeps away
lighter creatures and materials.
Anak Bakunawa, 10 HP, 3 Armor, 18 LAKAS, 16
LIKSI, bite (d10)
● Giant flying sea serpents; children of the
moon eater Bakunawa.
● They come out at night, desiring the moon.
● Immune to the push and pulls, and pressure
of the Sea, and weak to the Sun and its light.
● From its mouth, a devastating beam
powered by the six moons eaten before
damages for d10 (blast).
● Critical damage: victim is swallowed.
Anak Minokawa, 13 HP, 1 Armor, 14 LAKAS, 18
LIKSI, claws (d10)
● Giant fiery birds residing in volcanoes.
● They stoke the fires of volcanoes, waiting for
Minokawa’s awakening.
● Immune to the heat of fire and lava, and
weak to water.
● With a shriek, the ground cracks and out
comes lava, the fiery blood of the Islands.
● Critical damage: victim is swallowed.
 Building a Barangay
Eventually, a Binmanwa or a group of
Binmanwa may be well-known and valorous
enough that other Tawo would want to follow
them. If they accept, they will become Datu of
their own Barangay.
● A Barangay will need to settle somewhere to
grow.
● Datus are responsible for the well-being of
their followers, leading Lipon in war, and
passing judgement in trials within the
Barangay.
● A Barangay does not need upkeep; each
household provides for their own, so long as
they are not overworked.
● Most Barangays in the Islands are founded on
debt slavery. But building a Barangay without
relying on this inhumane power structure
should be a possible, albeit difficult, path.
Gaining Lipon
There are two kinds of Lipons, based on the
social castes: Timawa Lipon and Oripun Lipon.
Whether they follow a Datu because of
admiration or because of debt, both kinds of
Lipon will leave or rebel if they deem they are
not treated well enough.
A Timawa Lipon is a group of households led
by a Timawa.
● Gaining Timawa Lipons should be a rare
occurrence, like after Datus perform
phenomenal feats.
An Oripun Lipon is a group of households of
Oripun with debts to the Datu.
● Gained by raiding another Barangay, buying
from merchants, or as tribute from other
Datus.
24
Actions
A Lipon can perform one action a week. A lipon
can be forced to make a second action but
doing so will make them deprived. Deprived
Lipons’ loyalties are challenged (see Morale
and Loyalty. Page 25) and must take the next
week to rest.
Below are some example activities, but the
Mangaawit and players can invent other
activities:
● Provide for the Barangay. Farm, fish, hunt,
mine, create, trade. Do whatever you can to
make wealth for the Barangay. Make a LAKAS
or LIKSI save (depends on what work they do)
to obtain 1d6x100g.
● Scout Ahead. Specify a place for the Lipon to
scout and roll a Die of Fate to see if they
recover any information or if they’re able to
return at all.
● Muster Lipon. Battle-ready warriors step up
in the face of War. Typical stats: 1d6 HP, 3d6
LAKAS, LIKSI, and LOOB, d6 damage (pamalo).
● Reinforce Barangay. Construction is
underway. Make a LAKAS save to see if the new
constructions hold up (See: Barangay
Upgrades, page 24).
Barangay Upgrades
Certain upgrades can be constructed to
improve a Barangay’s defenses against attack.
Some examples:
● Palisades and moats, to restrict invaders from
storming the Barangay.
● Bamboo tower, to enhance attacks from atop
and impair attacks from the ground.
● Ambush point, established somewhere
outside the Barangay.
● Traps, to cause d6 damage to one enemy
Lipon (starts at 1 use, can be upgraded 3 uses)
● Treehouse refuge, to save one Lipon from
destruction.
Morale and Loyalty
Datus must take care of their Barangay, for an
unsatisfied and exhausted community will
have difficulty growing.
Making generous gestures towards a Lipon
makes them unlikely to leave the Barangay.
This is called Debt of Gratitude. Some
examples:
● After a raid, give a significant portion of the
loot to participating Lipons.
● Holding a feast as a reward for the week’s
labor.
● Granting an Oripun Lipon their freedom,
turning them into Timawa Lipon (permanent
Debt of Gratitude).
Certain events affects a Lipon or the whole
Barangay’s morale. Each affected Lipon takes
LOOB damage and will have to make a LOOB
save. Lipon with Debt of Gratitude may make
the save with the Datu’s LOOB instead. Some
examples:
● The death of a Datu. (d8 LOOB damage)
● The annihilation of a Lipon. (d6 LOOB
damage)
● Dissatisfaction with a Datu’s actions. (d4
LOOB damage)
● Forced to do a second action in a week. (d4
LOOB damage)
● Forced labor while deprived. (d6 LOOB
damage)
Failing a LOOB save means the Lipon leaves
the Barangay, whether peacefully or violently.
A Lipon’s LOOB is restored every change of the
season.
Growth and Change
Every 6th month, the season changes and so
does the Barangay. Growth comes naturally,
but with growth comes problems. Roll a d6 for
every Lipon the Barangay has. The two events
below can happen simultaneously.
● On a roll of 6, the Barangay gains another
Oripun Lipon.
● On a roll of 1, the Barangay is under serious
threat (e.g. War, disaster, treachery).
25
Travel and exploration
Travel over land and sea is measured in hexes
(10 km/6 mi) and watches (6 hours). Typically, 1
watch is needed to travel 1 hex. Difficulty of
terrain, naval vessels, weather and other
external factors may place modifiers to this.
Once per day, spend 1 watch to rest or become
deprived.
Travel Modifier Examples
+1 Watch Difficult terrain (forests, swamps,
rough waves, reefs)
+1 Watch Ascent (hills, mountains)
+1 Watch Rough weather (heavy rain/winds,
storms)
+1 Hex Sailing with favorable winds
+1 Hex Sailing with seafaring ships
(balangay, karakoa)
Long Actions
Watches may be spent to do actions that may
take a long time. Binmanwa may do different
actions from each other, at the risk of getting
separated during random encounters. Some
examples:
● Hunt/Fish/Forage – find d4 food rations.
● Search thoroughly – the Mangaawit provides
more specific details about the hex.
Encounter Die
Different events may happen while traveling
and exploring. The Encounter Die Table below
gives the Mangaawit a prompt for such cases.
Roll a d6 every time it is appropriate for the
type of terrain being traveled.
● On the open Sea, roll every watch.
● On the Islands, roll every 2 watches.
● In confined spaces in the wilderness and
underworld, roll every 2 turns.
1 Encounter
2 Sign (clue to nearby room/event/
encounter)
3 Change (to weather/area/quest/timer)
4 Exhaustion (rest or take fatigue)
5 Expiration (ongoing effects end or mark 1
use on torch or other resource)
6 Discovery (something interesting and
possibly beneficial)
 Generators
These generators are tools for the Mangaawit to craft adventures with. Roll for random
generation, or just pick and choose prompts for each element. Use these tables in however way
it is helpful to your creative process as a Mangaawit.

Community Generators
When generating a community, first roll a d4. If the result is 1, the community is a Pueblo, an
amalgamation of Barangays by the Colonizers. If the result is 2-4, the community is a Barangay
of the Tawo. Roll on the respective generators below.

Barangay Generator Pueblo Generator

Roll a d6, d8, and d10. Treat the results as a Roll a d6, d8, and d10. Treat the results as a
prompt to create a Barangay. prompt to create a Barangay.
d6 Size
d6 Size
1-4 Frontier Pueblo (2d12 Lipon)
1 Semi-Nomadic Community (d4 Lipon)
5-6 Major Pueblo (2d20 Lipon)
2-3 Small Settlement (2d6 Lipon)
4-5 Growing Village (2d8 Lipon)
d8 Special Defenses
6 Established Chiefdom (2d10 Lipon)
1 Stone fortifications
2 Oppressive Caballero Captain
d8 Special Defenses
3 Zealous Preacher of the Fire
1 Fleeing to caves or tree houses
4 Formidable Galleon Man-o-war
2 Legendary Karanduun
5-6 Cannon placements
3 Bamboo palisades and watchtowers
7-8 Conscripted Tawo forces
4 Trained beast sentinels
5 Other-Folk allies
d10 Pressing Issues
6 Formidable fleet of ships
1 Nuno playing with locals
7 Potent Babaylan/Manggagaway
2 Curses envelop the Barangay
8 Lantaka Placements
3 Residents lost to the Sea
4 Dambuhala wants strength proven and
d10 Pressing Issues tested
1 Nuno playing with locals 5 Aswang terrorizes the night
2 Curses envelop the Barangay 6 Internal turmoil
3 Residents lost to the Sea 7 Resisted by Tawo
4 Dambuhala wants strength proven and 8 Incoming disaster by Diwata
tested 9-10 War
5 Aswang terrorizes the night
6 Internal turmoil
7 Harassed by Colonizers
8 Incoming disaster by Diwata
9-10 War

26
Spark Tables - Barangay Details
Roll 2d20, take the results and smash them together for inspiration in creating NPCs, places,
objects, and events.

d20 Spark One d20 Spark Two

1 Iron 1 Monstrous
2 Gold 2 Destroy
3 Sea 3 Violent
4 Feast 4 Foreign
5 Love 5 Secret
6 Tribute 6 Wild
7 War 7 Overgrown
8 Debt 8 Fiery
9 Forest 9 Dead
10 Song 10 Artisan
11 Boat 11 Divine
12 Spirit 12 Free
13 Farm 13 Cursed
14 Creature 14 Survive
15 Mountain 15 Mysterious
16 Night 16 Hunger
17 Cave 17 Tricky
18 Blood 18 Allied
19 Storm 19 Venomous
20 Corpse 20 Strong

27
Adventure Generator d100 Native Creatures
Roll 5 six-sided dice to generate the elements Below is a list of 50 kinds of creatures that call
of a Labor or Raid. These prompts are merely the Islands their home. Choose from the list or
suggestions, mix and match however you think roll a d100 if you ever need one.
is best. 1-2 Archerfish (Ataba)
d6 Activity 3-4 Bat (Paniki)
1 Rescue or retrieve part of 5-6 Bee (Bubuyog)
7-8 Boar (Baboy Ramo)
2 Destroy or kill
9-10 Centipede (Alupihan)
3 Escort or protect 11-12 Cockroach (Ipis)
4 Raid or steal from 13-14 Cone Snail (Balisungsong)
5 Explore or discover 15-16 Crocodile (Buwaya)
17-18 Crab (Alimango)
6 Fix or rehabilitate
19-20 Cloud Rat (Ulapdaga)
21-22 Dog (Aso)
d6 Target 23-24 Deer (Usa)
1 A precious item 25-26 Eagle (Haribon)
2 A Halimaw or Lower Diwata 27-28 Elephant (Gadya)
29-30 Fire Ants (Hantik)
3 A Tawo, Other-Folk, or Colonizer
31-32 Firefly (Alitaptap)
4 A community 33-34 Flying Fish (Bolandor)
5 A ship 35-36 Flying Squirrel (Lipadilaga)
6 The Location (rolled below) 37-38 Frog (Palaka)
39-40 Gecko (Tuko)
41-42 Grasshopper (Balang)
d6 Location 43-44 Hermit Crab (Umang)
1 The Underworld 45-46 Jellyfish (Dikya)
2 Deep in a forest or swamp 47-48 Leech (Linta)
49-50 Leopard Cat (Maral)
3 On or under the Sea
51-52 Macaque (Matsing)
4 Atop a mountain
53-54 Mantis Shrimp (Alupihang Dagat)
5 On flatland or valley 55-56 Monitor Lizard (Bayawak)
6 On a small, offshore island 57-58 Moray Eel (Igat)
59-60 Octopus (Pugita)
61-62 Owl (Kuwago)
d6 Obstacles 63-64 Pangolin (Halintong)
1 Obscured or difficult to reach 65-66 Python (Sawa)
2 Guarded by a powerful being 67-68 Rhinoceros (Sungaykuda)
69-70 Salamander (Balubid)
3 Surrounded by hazards
71-72 Scorpion (Alakdan)
4 Another group of Binmanwa 73-74 Scorpionfish (Alakdanisda)
5 Occupied by a hostile army 75-76 Sea Cow (Dugong)
6 Protected by sorcery and curses 77-78 Sea Turtle (Pawikan)
79-80 Shark (Pating)
81-82 Snake (Ahas)
d6 Incentives 83-84 Spider (Gagamba)
1 Knowledge and information 85-86 Squid (Pusit)
87-88 Stingray (Pagi)
2 Wealth
89-90 Swordfish (Malasugi)
3 Valor and glory 91-92 Tiger (Musangbatuk)
4 Peace and safety 93-94 Turtle (Pagong)
5 A mystical Anting-anting 95-96 Wasp (Putakti)
6 Trust 97-98 Water Buffalo (Kalabaw)
99-100 Whale Shark (Butanding)

28
29
30