Babaylan character concept for the Anak Bathala Project. Babaylan is a Filipino/Tagalog word for "Warlock". The Babaylan is the embodiment of the Filipino or native islander's belief in mysticism, native magical arts of healing and witchcraft. In the Anak Bathala game world and background story, he is enlisted to help the defenders of light on their quest, however, his loyalty is questionable. He is a master of the dark arts of the Mambabarang and Kulam. Mambabarang is a Filipino/Tagalog word for "Insect Summoner". Kulam is a Filipino/Tagalog word for "Witchcraft", "Magic Spell", or "Hex". The Barang are mythical flesh-boring insects that can be commanded to create havoc and all sorts of malevolent deeds.
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
Sta.sh
ewan ko lang ha....sa tuwing galit na galit ko sa isang tao...ewan ko lang...
wag ko lang sabihin...nakakatakot..
I wanted a close to realistic & historic detail but still keep it in a fictional mythology.
"The babaylan in Filipino indigenous tradition is a person who is gifted to heal the spirit and the body; a woman who serves the community through her role as a folk therapist, wisdom-keeper and philosopher; a woman who provides stability to the community’s social structure; a woman who can access the spirit realm and other states of consciousness and traffic easily in and out of these worlds; a woman who has vast knowledge of healing therapies" (Leny Strobel).
The definition I gave was derived from the game.
In the game, this "character concept" is androgynous, an enigma; possesses very strong offensive and destructive powers. Calls upon both dark and light magic, their loyalty is questionable. Can summon demons, nature, and Gods' favors to do their bidding. Master of Mambabarang (summoner) craft and Mangkukulam (witchcraft), this character is feared even by the Aswang Clans. Worships Apo Deliste (God of Witchcraft) and Somilge (Goddess of Witchcraft).
That's the reason why I decided that the character equivalent would be a unique blend of witch/warlock/priest/priestess/summoner type. In the game's background story, this character is also a leader of a mysterious tribe. The Katalonan counterpart (character concept) is/will be mentioned only briefly in the story line as the "spouse" or person left in-charge of the tribe as the Babaylan travels in a quest to save his/her people.
You will find that my descriptions of other character concepts (gods, people, and heroes) from the Anak Bathala game are not the exact factual real-life definitions but rather adapted to better suit a videogame (fictional) storyline.
I do appreciate the input. Thank you.