Beast and Myth
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Bakunawa

PhilippineDragonSea SerpentEclipseLunar MythHostile

Lore

Bakunawa is a hulking sea dragon said to rise from the deep to swallow moons. In the field it announces itself before sight: the air grows heavy with a briny, metallic tang—like iron from deep water—and a wet kelp musk; sound is a low, rolling keening, part whale-song, part thunder, passed along the surface of the sea; temperature reads warm and humid, as though the creature exhales steam and heated spray. Scales glint like oil-slicked obsidian under moonlight; the sea cliffs vibrate with its passage. Notes: movement is slow but unstoppable, and the light around it seems swallowed, leaving a cold ring where the moon should be.
Origin: Visayan (Philippine) • Philippines (Visayas)
Classification: Monster (Sea Dragon)

Field Notes

Observations
  • A sudden dimming or eclipse of the moon paired with a low, throat-like rumble coming from the ocean and a metallic, salt-heavy scent on the wind.
Encounter Advice
  • avoidance: Do not linger on the shore during an eclipse or when the sea gives that iron tang. Move inland and to higher ground in groups; avoid isolated fishing boats or cliffside perches until the disturbance passes.
  • defense: Traditional defense is communal: make sustained loud noise (drums, gongs, shouting), light fires and lanterns, and create bright reflections to break the dragon’s focus. Seek out elders or ritual leaders—ceremonial drums and coordinated clamor are said to force the Bakunawa to release the moon and withdraw.
  • offering: Not appeased by food—what soothes or scatters it is collective action: drums, lanterns, mirrors and sustained noise. Folklore treats ritual alarm and brightness as the proper 'offering' to protect the moon.

Abilities

  • Lunar Devour
    Consumes the moon's light and substance to physically swallow moons and create prolonged solar-lunar eclipses.
  • Eclipse Umbral Aura
    Enfolds regions in a living shadow that dulls vision, stunts crops tied to lunar cycles, and strengthens its own mass.
  • Tidebinding Surge
    Bends lunar tides to summon colossal sea swells and storms that tear coasts and drag vessels into the deep.

Weaknesses

  • Communal Clamor (Gongs, Drums, Pots)
    Loud, coordinated noise made by communities during an eclipse frightens and forces Bakunawa to release the moon temporarily.
  • Blinding Firelight and Torches
    Intense, sustained firelight and reflected brightness disrupts its shadow magic and can drive it from sighted shores.