Encounters: Lakandanup, Adarna, & Lawana
LAKANDANUP, THE NOONDAY SERPENT
Takes the form of a gigantic, golden python. Was once a gluttonous man. Wanting to taste the first rays of dawn, he traveled to the sky by climbing a siksiklat vine. The Sun himself punished him for his arrogance - thus, he became the father of all snakes, insatiable in his hunger.
You see him, spread out on a lahar crag. “Please… Feed me…”
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THE ADARNA BIRD
Makes her home in the heart of the forest. You see her roosting on a branch - surrounding the tree are the people who sought to catch it, turned into stone. Probably trophies. She laughs in warbles.
“Insolent child! You dare try to capture me?” she shouts. “I was there when the Sky and the Sea first fought. I pecked the divine kawayan open, from which sprung the first man and woman. If I so will it, I can send the seven heavens crashing down with a single song.”
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LAWANA, DEMON KING
Rules Coconut Grove Island from his palace made of husk and bark. Hairy, but with what appears to be a chitinous carapace. Like a coconut crab. Has a hundred wives, although Lady Tihaia is his favorite. He stole her from her husband Mangawarna - or she left him, it’s unclear. She tells the story differently every time.
“This better be important,” he grumbles. “And what offering did you bring me, for troubling me with your presence?”
Lady Tihaia is secretly exchanging letters with Mangawarna. She’s planning a coup.
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These are NPC encounters inspired by Philippine mythology and folk tales. Feel free to use in your ttrpgs! If you like this kind of stuff, check out my ttrpg setting, Swellbloom Kids.