Barkada: A Tropical Adventure Inspired by Filipino Myth & Legend
An empire sundered, tribal factions, wild beasts, and untamed magic, heed the call of a shared ancestor and explore the wondrous islands of Malahacan.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Wednesday - 6:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 30–60 Sessions
1 / 7 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
1/7
About the adventure
The Islands of Malahacan await! Amidst the jungles of a vast, verdant archipelago, tribal villages thrive, risen from the remains of an ancient empire sundered by the slain body of the mythical beast known as the Moon Eater. A select few are called to arms through a shared dream of the legendary hero, Urduha, who felled the beast one thousand years ago. Together they must tread paths unexplored for centuries and uncover secrets to the very land they stand upon. Players will take on the role of adventurers/villagers who either share or are closely tied to one who shares this dream of a famed hero. Once united they'll journey all over the archipelago of Malahacan, exploring ruins, uncovering treasure and secrets, and battling monsters and beasts known only through story and legend. This game is highly inspired by Filipino folklore, and I incorporate elements from both the Islands of Sina Una and Ryoko's Guide to the Yokai Realms third party source books, including player options like classes and subclasses, as well as spells, monsters, and magical items. LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and players of all backgrounds and skill levels, especially beginners, are all welcome at my table. If you're looking for a fun, island adventure with a touch of South East Asian flavor, then this is the game for you!
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Roleplay Heavy
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(9)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Inclusive
About me
I'm Chap, the Dungeon Master Dad. And yes, I am truly a dad and I love running adventures for players with a passion for TTRPGs. I've been running games for more than three years, in person and on Roll20 with friends. I'm most familiar with D&D5e and 5e 2024, but I've also started to learn Daggerheart. My games are highly inspired by my love of fantasy, comics, science fiction, and Critical Role, as well as my time growing up in the 80s and 90s and my Filipino-American heritage. As for my experience, I'm just starting out as a professional GM, but I'm eager and excited to create amazing stories with new players. Having worked in book publishing and film, developing stories and rich characters is probably my deepest passion. And I love taking the characters and backstories my players create and working together to weave a fun, emotional, and thrilling tale. Most importantly, TTRPGs are a safe space. This is a place where you can be whoever you want and explore your imagination. There is no room for hate or discrimination at my table. I want my players to experience joy, freedom, laughter, and acceptance. If that seems cool with you then let's play.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Player creation will occur at a session 0. All players will start at level 4. I'm happy to walk any beginners through the entire process. You can build the character in Roll20 (preferably) or D&D Beyond, or both. Access to Islands of Sina Una and Ryoko's Guide to the Yokai Realms source books will be through Roll20 and PDF links. All other WOTC approved player elements are generally approved, and we can discuss details at the session 0 or over DMs. I'm a fan of the Point Buy method, but I also don't mind the roll 4d6 drop 1 method, as long as it's done in person. Rolled HP or Average, whichever is higher, again, preferably rolled in person. Again, all details can be hashed out at the session 0, and I'm happy to answer any questions before and after.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players should have access to the internet and a mic. You will need both a Roll20 account and a Discord account. My discord is provided in my profile. Once DM'ed I can invite you to my discord server and the Roll20 game where the campaign and the session 0 will take place. You are welcome to use D&D Beyond for your character sheet, but you will need the Beyond20 extension for your browser to tie it to Roll20. I can provide directions on how to apply that if needed.
What Chaplain brings to the table
I like immersive experiences, so I will be using music, character voices, and visual imagery as much as possible. This is a beginner friendly game so combat isn't overly tactical but can ramp up in difficulty depending on players, and the same goes for role play. I enjoy role play, but understand not all players do, so I like to give room for both styles of play. I do like to use rules as guidelines, but don't mind bending or disregarding them when necessary. The main rule for me is communicate. Tell me what it is you want to do, and then leave it to me to see how I can make that happen or find a compromise.
Homebrew rules
The main Homebrew rule I use is that I don't mind mixing 2014 and 2024 D&D rules if requested. So if you want to play a Paladin, for example, with 2014 smite, but use 2024 spells, that's fine by me.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Chaplain creates a safe table
I like to use the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist, which I can send a link to prior to our session 0. At the session 0, I'm happy to discuss content and lines and veils for anyone who feels comfortable. Players can also DM me with any concerns. Roll20 has a built in safety deck that can be easily used during sessions, and I'm a fan of breaks and stars and wishes at the end of sessions to recenter the group on our characer and story goals.
Content warnings
Safety tools used