Bala Sources (Karanduun Supplement)
Bala and Archetypes[edit]
The Karanduun have five different types of Bala. A normal civilian in the barrio of Anyila may be a soldier, but only a Karanduun can be a Fighter.
The five Power Sources are thus:
Martial: The Martial Bala, predominantly tinged red, is the Karanduun Bala that calls power from the natural, physical aspect of the body. It taps power from physical training and finesse, and at the same time, empowers and emphasizes those same physical abilities. As such, soldiers and hunters are the ones that are usually blessed with Martial Bala.
Divine: The Divine Bala, predominantly tinged yellow, is the Karanduun Bala that is blessed by the the Apo or Yavum. This Bala taps power from intense fervent faith, devotion and prayers to their chosen Divinity, and in return the Bala grants them Divine Power far more powerful than what mortal ken can reach. As such, priests and templars are the ones usually blessed with Divine Bala.
Arcane: The Arcane Bala, predominantly tinged purple, is the Karanduun Bala that calls power from mental training, arcane, esoteric knowledge, and all other sorts of academia. This Bala taps into knowledge and intelligence and academia, in turn empowering the natural spells and magic that they can perform, allowing them great and amazing arcane feats. As such, salamangkero and kapnaynero are the ones usually blessed with Arcane Bala.
Primal: The Primal Bala, predominantly tinged green, is the Karanduun Bala that is possessed of the natural deities that reside in everything as well as the ancestral and guardian spirits that live on. The Bala taps power from the connection and amiability with the spirits that a person exhibits. As such, shamans and witches are the ones that are given Primal Bala.
The Archetypes for each Bala Source is as thus: (WIP)
Four Armed Regalia[edit]
In addition to this, the seminal work of Saligang Makoda, The Cacophonies of Combat, has codified the four standard roles of a Karanduun War Band. Each one corresponds to a responsibility or role that one of the four rebellious Primordial divinities when they rebelled against Maykaptan. He calls a complete War Band with all four Karanduun Roles as a Four Armed Regalia. He writes thus:
The Supernal Knife reflected the cunning Moon, Bulan, and was the one who struck. With dagger or spear or eldritch esoteries, they made sure that the enemy would be put down easily, and quickly. They could move around the field of battle unhindered, gaining advantageous positions, that would help them capitalize on the opportunities that his allies gave him. A well known Supernal Sword — a human known as Si Sandata — was well known for his feat of having the sheer destructive force capable of pinning Akda-ong, a powerful Elder Aswang, to the earth, and with a single headhunting axe, cut off his limbs.
The Sublime Shield reflected the resplendent Sun, Adlaw, and was the one who defended. With shield, or plate, or sheer force of will, they made sure the enemies were focused on them, and they knew they could take the hits. They are the immovable force to the Supernal Sword's unstoppable object. One well known feat was when a mountain Apo — Dian Masalanta — had uprooted an entire mountain to spear it against one of my allies. Our Sacred Shield — Anyong Di Malagpasan — simply raised her shield, and the mountain was stopped.
The Sacred Scepter reflected the esoteric Star, Suga, and was the one who saw and controlled. Most of the Amulets had been controllers and masters of arcane esoteries, or had access to the Living Soul. They could control the battlefield with but a whim, allowing the Sword to strike, or allowing the Shield to keep the enemies in front of him. In my party, we had Bai Viraya, Master of Natural Magicks. The tamawo had loosed upon us a great number of battleforged construct, and our Amulet, standing upon a low hill, with but a snap of her finger, commanded the earth to listen, and the earth pulled the thousand army of war forged machines into its heart.
The Celestial Crown reflected the imperial Earth, Kalibutan and was the one who led. I, Datu Makoda, had been chosen by Yna Guinida to be her Celestial Crown. We Crowns led. We were the backbone of the Warband. We directed attacks, distributed orders, and made sure victory was something the rest of the team could achieve. Perhaps most importantly, I can rally my teammates, I can inspire them to not give up or succumb to their wounds, to the bruises they sustain during the duration of the fight. With a word, I heal their spirit and vitality, and they fight on, renewed. Without the rest of the party, the Crown was useless. With them, we could stand against gods. I myself coordinated an attack to bring down a powerful elder tamawo — Rekaspi — who was surrounded by his right hand viziers. His powerful enchantments held no chance against my orders.
Back to Main Page → 4e Homebrew → Campaign Settings → [[<!-Setting-> (4e Campaign Setting)|<!-Setting->]] [[Category:<!-Setting-> Setting]]