Even though the Philippine Islands is contested territory within the Vigil, the actual supernatural communities get along with an ease that would surprise most other supes from other countries. Many suspect that it’s a mix of the appropriation of World of Light Filipino culture (the strong emphasis, for example, on pakikisama – or simply the unspoken agreement to watch over one’s own and generally leave others to their own devices), a natural result of the country’s colorful (and difficult) history of colonization and invasion, and the propensity for misguided nationalism to lead to a strong need for most Hunters to turn their sights – and weapons – on “monsters”. It helps, of course, that the Maharlika’s position has always been one of self-preservation, survival, and cooperation – something that has helped them whenever the likes of the Methuselah failed them, or when Zangyaku itself was stretched too thin by their own war with the Dragon’s conspiracy.
The Philippines has also always placed a strong emphasis on blood ties and camaraderie. By merit of the country’s geographical position, Sleepers “awaken” to their inherent gifts, or are just more naturally exposed to external influences like Amrita and geists. Sleepers who stay asleep also show a remarkable propensity for accepting the fact that the World of Darkness exists, even if they may never fully understand what that means, or what the World of Darkness is actually like.
Metro Manila might be the city with the largest concentration of supernaturals in the country, but the capital is not, by far, the seat of political power. Here are brief profiles of the men and women behind the names penned on every major Accords contract forged on Philippine soil.
ALUNSINA Dreamspeaker [Thyrsus] Actual historical records of who Alunsina was do not exist, and the few who are old enough to know her story aren’t telling it. The closest anyone can get to an account of her past exist in obscure epic song cycles within the Visayas, known only by a few bards. These are the common elements across all of the songs that refer to her:
She was the Seventh Daughter of a Seventh Daughter. Thus, she was born under strange circumstances, and “had the gift” the moment she could walk. (A closed reading of the words used in the song cycles indicate that she Awakened.)
Her father wished for her to settle down and allow the family to choose a husband for her. She insisted that she would not marry anyone who could not best her in song, in hunting, and in combat.
After running through all of the potential suitors in her village and the villages close to her home, she found her match in a mysterious stranger who hid his face and had a gentle voice.
Thrilled at finally meeting a man who was worthy of her, she agreed to marry him. Throughout the celebration, regardless of who asked, the stranger refused to show his face, or tell anyone his name.
On the night of their wedding, Alunsina discovered that her “husband” was not a man at all, much less human. “He” was the goddess Magwayan. She attempted to escape, but Magwayan used the powers at her disposal to keep Alunsina captive.
As the seasons wore on, as the Alunsina was made to share Magwayan’s bed and exposed to the wonders that the goddess could offer her, Alunsina fell in love with Magwayan.
Denizens of tonight’s Vigil confirm that Magwayan is, indeed, a Great Spirit of the Philippines. Alunsina continues to refer to Magwayan as her husband, and was the second of the Awakened to sign the first Supernatural Accords in her country (the first, of course, being Lola Maganda). Alunsina and Magwayan are the guardians of all Awakened and all spirits within the Visayas region.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Diamong Dog contacted Alunsina personally earlier this year. She's taken note of him.
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wakingthedead2016-05-19 08:25 pm
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Alunsina
Dreamspeaker [Thyrsus]
Actual historical records of who Alunsina was do not exist, and the few who are old enough to know her story aren’t telling it. The closest anyone can get to an account of her past exist in obscure epic song cycles within the Visayas, known only by a few bards. These are the common elements across all of the songs that refer to her:
- She was the Seventh Daughter of a Seventh Daughter. Thus, she was born under strange circumstances, and “had the gift” the moment she could walk. (A closed reading of the words used in the song cycles indicate that she Awakened.)
- Her father wished for her to settle down and allow the family to choose a husband for her. She insisted that she would not marry anyone who could not best her in song, in hunting, and in combat.
- After running through all of the potential suitors in her village and the villages close to her home, she found her match in a mysterious stranger who hid his face and had a gentle voice.
- Thrilled at finally meeting a man who was worthy of her, she agreed to marry him. Throughout the celebration, regardless of who asked, the stranger refused to show his face, or tell anyone his name.
- On the night of their wedding, Alunsina discovered that her “husband” was not a man at all, much less human. “He” was the goddess Magwayan. She attempted to escape, but Magwayan used the powers at her disposal to keep Alunsina captive.
- As the seasons wore on, as the Alunsina was made to share Magwayan’s bed and exposed to the wonders that the goddess could offer her, Alunsina fell in love with Magwayan.
Denizens of tonight’s Vigil confirm that Magwayan is, indeed, a Great Spirit of the Philippines. Alunsina continues to refer to Magwayan as her husband, and was the second of the Awakened to sign the first Supernatural Accords in her country (the first, of course, being Lola Maganda). Alunsina and Magwayan are the guardians of all Awakened and all spirits within the Visayas region.PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: ZOE SALDANA