As a proud creation of Makapatag, Maharlika RPG is a popular techno-mystic science fantasy mecha RPG game in the Philippines. This role-playing game focuses on the adventures of Mecha pilots known as Maharlika. They venture into a diverse and dangerous galaxy called Arkipelago, which means ‘archipelago’ to undergo missions and fight for their ideals. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the rules, strategies, and tactics on how to play this sci-fi RPG.
What is Maharlika role-playing Game?
You can be a Maharlika in this RPG if you are brave enough to pilot the Meka or the mechanized weapon. In this game, you can choose one character from one of the titular beings. These include Maharlika, Mavericks, Prodigies, Mercs, and Aces. Unlike other RPGs, there are no heroes in this Makapatag creation. Instead, this RPG is a Filipino role pg game inspired by mythology, history, and community folklore.
You will create a Maharlika character in this game and determine its traits and fighting potential. Here, Maharlika is the main character in your story. You will need tokens or miniatures to represent your character and the opponents to play the game.
How to play Maharlika?
To play the Maharlika, you need to be familiar with the rules and the characters included in the board game.
There should be an Arbiter whose task is to create fair obstacles for the players within the violent galaxy of Arkipelago. Meanwhile, the players will act as the Maharlika, and they split into two systems: the narrative and the tactical. The narrative mechanics are used everywhere in the community of Mecha. While the tactical is used for combat or riding a Meka. Take note that the player always rolls in the narrative systems. And the arbiter describes the reactions and consequences of Maharlika’s actions.
Once your character becomes an official Maharlika, you need to create your meka. In this Makapatag creation, you need to build relationships during the gameplay. In addition, you must use your experience and origins to get a better outcome in the dice roll. Also, as a Mecha pilot, you need to decide on the tactical Mecha for combat.
Maharlika rules
Maharlika RPG consists of three phases: the Mission Phase, Trade Phase, and the Fiesta Phase. In the Mission Phase, you conduct your mission and battles against other players. The arbiter or game master decides the objectives of the game. There are four essential actions during your missions, including Initiative, Activation, Action, and Upkeep.
To move your Mecha around, you must Stride, make two Actions, and a Reaction to counter your enemy’s reaction. Encounters may take up to two hours. Meanwhile, during the Trade Phase, you will encounter the Mecha Systems wherein a d20 dice is used rather than d10. If the result of your dice roll is a natural 20, it is known as a critical hit. In this case, you succeeded in your mission. For attacks, you double the damage.
Meanwhile, the Fiesta Phase allows players to participate in social gatherings with higher ranks, such as the Datu.
Maharlika playing Tips and Strategies
Take note of these few steps to become a full Maharlika. First, you need to meet your Kalagyo and choose a trait from Kalagyo’s principle. Then, start with two Mecha skills and choose the mainframe and chassis of your meka. Finally, select two Agimat from the Lakanate Systems or Balangkas. Again, the other two Agimat can be acquired from others such as Baluti, Balangkas, and Lakanate systems.
Baluti is a Meka frame defining the primary Gahum system. Take note that choosing Agimat does not incur Utang (or loan). Also, note that equipping meka with Agimat beyond its space capacity is impossible.
In Maharlika, there is a reaction to every action. So, another essential factor to keep in mind is the ‘Specific beats General’ rule. The specific rule always takes precedence over the general rule. So, if you get a single reaction for a single round but two Meka configurations, you have two reactions.
Can I play online?
No. This Makapatag creation can only be played offline. However, you can purchase a downloadable module of this game online.
Can I play Maharlika for real money?
No. Maharlika PG is designed for fun play, and you cannot win real money from it. However, you can also play it with friends or colleagues and make bets to win real money.
FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this RPG game.
Is Maharlika a tactical game?
Yes. It is a tactical PG where you build your character by improving your skills and traits to defeat enemies and survive in the Arkipelago.
How are role-playing games also known?
Role-playing games are also known as play-acting or game playing. In this type of Filipino mythology-inspired RPG, the player can decide and take control of their chosen fictional character.
Can you play Maharlika online for free?
No. You cannot play this online game for free. However, you can purchase the downloadable package of this mecha RPG online and gain access to the game files.
Is this game based on the Filipino Mythology?
Yes. The games´ RPG is inspired by Filipino history, folklore, and mythology. It centers on the eponymous pilots known as Maharlika as they explore the Arkipelago. The glory defines the life of the player after the mission.
Can you play Maharlika on your own?
Yes. You can play it on your own. However, this role pg is best played with a group of friends or colleagues for extra fun and thrill.
How long does the game last?
A single encounter may last from 1 to 2 hours in this board game. Thus, an entire gaming session may take 3-6 hours.
Type of rolls within Maharlika?
During the Trade and Fiesta Rolls, you will use a d10 dice for Maharlika Roll. One to 4 roll outcome means failure, 5 to 9 means partial success, and 10+ means success. For the Mission Phase, where you can become a noble Maharlika, you will use Meka Roll with d20 dice. You will roll against the difficulty target. Rolling a natural 20 means you deal twice the damage.
You can also get the chance to roll directly for your Skills, Swerte, or Malas. In Filipino, Swerte means luck, while Malas means misfortune.