Limahong and the Wako

Tension runs high throughout this tumultuous century in our alternate timeline of the Philippines. Beyond the threat of the aswangs, other forces are constantly trying to seize control of the Kapuluan. Two of the most dangerous are the Kastillas and the Wakō pirates.

Among the Wakō, the most infamous name is Limahong — the pirate warlord who attacked Tondo in 1574 not once, but twice. In Batikan, we explore the deeper mystery behind those events. Why did he really launch those assaults? Was he truly the mastermind behind them, or was someone else pulling the strings?

This chapter of history becomes a core thread in the game’s narrative, blending real historical tension with the supernatural forces shaping our alternate Philippines.

Limahong’s character design was created by Vic Caedo, a veteran illustrator who has worked on major comic book titles and produced cover art for several well‑known publications in the Philippines. His experience in narrative illustration and his strong command of dramatic composition made him the perfect artist to bring Limahong’s presence and personality to life.

The Notorious Wako Pirates of Japan. The wako, also known as wokou or waegu, were a group of marauders that dominated the seas of East Asia for centuries. They were often seen by Western historians and culture as a kind of Japanese pirate, but scholars have begun to question the accuracy of this characterisation. The term wako has been used in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese documents since the third century AD, and it has been translated to 'Japanese pirates' in English. However, this translation is problematic as the term was used to describe non-Chinese outsiders and can also mean 'dwarf.' The wako were a complex mix of adventurers, smugglers, traders, and mercenaries, often engaging in violence for economic gain. They were active in East Asian waters from the Kamakura to the early Edo periods, with the phenomenon peaking in the 16th century. The wako's activities caused significant tensions in diplomatic relations between China, Korea, and Japan throughout this period.

The Wakō pirates weren’t a single unified group — they were a chaotic collective made up of all kinds of people and backgrounds. Their ranks included deserters, escaped prisoners, refugees, outcasts, and anyone desperate enough to carve out a life on the fringes of society. This mix of classes and occupations gave the Wakō their unpredictable nature and made them one of the most dangerous forces along the coasts.

Charls has been developing additional character designs to represent this diverse pirate collective, capturing the rough, improvised gear and cultural blend that defined their crews.

In the game, these foreign pirates often operate under special arrangements with local Philippine raiders known as the Magalos — literally “destroyers of peace.” The Magalos are feared across coastal communities for their ruthless tactics and deep knowledge of the archipelago’s waterways, making them valuable (and dangerous) allies to outside pirate factions.

Art by Charls Frivaldo

Check out the complete codex of the Batikan lore in www.digmaancardgame.com/codex.