In times now resigned to memory, the landscape of the Kapampangan people was different.
There were small kingdoms called Balen skirmishing against each other.
Warfare was in their blood.
They would fight over territory, over their clans, even blood feuds would make them raise their arms.
And it was in this purview that the goddess watched.
Many faceted were her worshippers.
And all would lay down their lives for their Balen.
She was the patulunan, the divinity venerated for her aspects. She was patron to many and those would lay deference to her.
The Assassins:
She would be called upon by the Manglilingu, to make their blades seek their victims.
They would target the heads of their enemy Balen, cutting off the leaders and leaving their clans in turmoil.
The Spies:
Called Tiktik, the spies of the Kapampangans blended seamlessly with the fabric of other Balens.
They would call upon their goddess to keep themselves hidden, collecting the information so sorely needed by their clans.
They would destroy their enemies from within.
The Thieves:
Not all followers of Kapitangan were versed in blood.
Others, called Mapanaku, were content with stealing from their enemies’ coffers.
They would cloak themselves with midnight, sneaking through the Balen, taking with them not just objects but also demoralizing their enemies.
The Abductors:
When the Balen wanted subterfuge instead of all out battles, the Mandurukot were called.
They would take an important figure, maybe the child of the head of the Balen or one of their precious wives.
Battles would be won without spilling a single drop of blood.
Arsonists:
Destruction is one aspect of Kapitangan that is called upon before and during battle.
Ustwang is what they were called, people of the fire. They would gladly burn their enemies’ Balen to the ground.
They seek aid from the goddess to make their flames burn bright and long.
These are her followers, called upon to the night heron.
They pray for stealth.
They pray for silence.
They pray for blood.
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by an interview with Michael Pangilinan.
Kapitangan Illustration by Ike Vincent Pintor
https://www.instagram.com/i_vin_pen
of Jump Jet Comics https://www.facebook.com/jumpjetcomics
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