mother of the dead.
(A Gloaming Diaries setting based on Philippine folklore.)
Adlao
Justice, Power, Knowledge
The Monarch of the Sun. The golden light from his eyes brings day to the mortal world, allowing people to work and toil. Crowned with the colors of dawn, he is strict in his judgment, rewarding those he finds virtuous and punishing those he deems wicked. Merchants and craftsmen earn their keep under his guiding light; ever-restless, he wanders the world in search of his next great task.
Bulan
Mercy, Balance, Secrecy
The Monarch of the Moon and Adlao’s twin. His silver-lined cloak brings night to the mortal world, allowing people to rest and recover. Clothed in a veil of dusk, he shelters saints and sinners alike, giving them respite. Thieves and bandits make a living under his shade; ever-passive, he remains silent no matter what they do.
Although they were once loving brothers toward each other, enmity eventually erupted between the two. Adlao criticized Bulan for his lenience, while Bulan retorted that Adlao possessed no mercy. The two became at odds, and war broke out.
Mebuyan
Adlao and Bulan’s conflict caused great heartache for their mother Mebuyan, Mother of the Dead. Her realm, Banwa Mebuyan, was once a happy place, where souls of fae and humans alike gathered at a common table with an overflowing feast. As her sons’ war dragged on, her heart grew warped and bitter; distraught over the brokenness of her family, she wished to spread this brokenness to the rest of the world. Banwa Mebuyan turned into the Vale of Nightmares, Mebuyan’s malice poisoning anyone coming into contact with it.
