"Let your brother's soul rest upon the hollows."
By Team DAGTUM (Group 01), for IGDD211, BSEMC 2-Y1-1, 2024
Our Lady of Fatima University (Valenzuela Campus)
New Covers
First and Second PhotosThe first image shows the main character, Alex Celorico, with an umbilical cord and a heart below her. It illustrates the agony and void inside of her, filled and being drowned. Subterfuge (similar words: deception, trickery, bluff) as a caption that serves as a reflection of the main character's ways to get something something in an dishonest way or trick; even she is suffering from schizophrenia and experiences continuous bullying to save herself from the 'void.'The second image highlights Alex Celorico falling down deep inside the void, being breathless because of the upsetting college life in her university. Asphyxiated (similar words: suffocate, smother, throttle) as the chosen word for the caption because
the bullying wraps inside of her and catching her breath.Both covers are filled with black; to give deep meaning to the DAGTUM's title meaning, story, and character development
aside from simplicity.
Old Covers
First and Second VersionThe first conceptual cover of DAGTUM illustrates the girl in the middle named as Alex Celorico. The bottom of her shows a darkish color palette of Mount Makiling. As for the backdrop, it shows a black moon filled with unusual beings, representing the main character's mental illness, schizophrenia.And for the new version; haunting eerie with Mount Makiling silhouette, filled with uncanny aura that reflects the title and genre of the video game along with the bigger appearance of Alex Celorico as the main character of the story.
Spreads
Game Thumbnail and Main Menu
Draft Progress
Audio Design and Sound Engineering
soon.
GAME FIGURES
Some sprites are in full-render while others are not. Here’s why: Some characters in the story have its “sense of completeness and incompleteness.” It means that in their life, they feel or see that there’s a mistake or incomplete on achieving things either physically, mentally, emotionally, memories, and such, if not, they are contented in their life- Example: Alex’s sprite is not in full-render, which means in her overall views, her feelings and wishes are not complete: luck, family, always alone, and moments with her twin, Alec. Yet it contradicts to the twins’ parents. Teresita and Socorro are in full-render, because they accepted that their son died in the first place (we will not show it on the first chapters, the truth will be shown on the final part), and they’re happy that they have a little girl to care, love, and raise her in good condition. Still, Alex’s heart feels so empty inside.As for the style and colors, we decided to make the in-game levels and exploration in full colors (faded or vintage like palettes to mix with the genre, ambiance, and for the overall DAGTUM content and for less confusion of players’ viewing) with in-game scenes. The update also includes grayscale or blank colored characters, objects, and black/dark environment for cutscenes (flashbacks, schizophrenia sights, and events with sensitivity issues). Aside on the said two major updates, we also added more settings (some will be in playable experience, while others are in-game cutscenes), continuation of the prologue, and assets with interaction to ensure enjoyable gaming experience. Some sprites will only appear on cutscenes (illustration) and/or in-game dialogues, while others can be interacted in-game, and few in-game sprites will appear but no dialogue.
GAMEPLAY PREVIEW
Using Scratch as our first and drafted concept work
INITIAL TRAILERMain Menu testing using GameMaker
TEST 01
FINAL
The recent video game creation software that we used is Scratch. Now, we decided to migrate to another platform, GameMaker to continue our progress plus to add more features that makes our video game lively, and even more enjoyable playing experience.final trailer to be released soon
PROLOGUE:
Mid 2000s, Laguna, Philippines. January (insert date), (insert year).
A cold, howling night rushes by the winds, as the old dewdrops of waters flew with such mysterious rustling woods. The eerie was so loud yet quiet; gentle whispers amidst the dirt. An old cottage, a rusty wood-textured house filled with rocky borders by the middle of the province, Teresita Celorico, the wife, and Socorro Celorico, the husband, were blessed to have a child. Or... Should I say, twins? Yet...
"WAAHHH!!!"
A raging scream howled. The twins, Alex and Alec were born. One who screams, one who sleeps...?
Teresita: "Our children!"
Teresita holds the twins gently, softly, teardrops falling.
Teresita: "The heavens above sent a gift full of grace..."
Socorro: "I—"
Socorro notices something strange, so does Teresita, yet joy warms the heart of the Celorico parents. Welcome to the world, Alex and Alec.
Several months later, a few calendar papers are being lifted, Alex is now a little girl. Feet to stand, hand to touch, eyes to see the big, big world.
Children in her hometown are always playing together yet Alex... Is ‘not alone.’
Child 1: "Are you seeing that girl over there?"
Child 2: "Yeah, who is she talking to?"
Child 3: "Di ko alam!" (I don't know!)
The playful Alex is playing with her best friend. The small playground near the house, Alex and her best friend play the seesaw, swing, monkey bars, and even climbing trees.
Mother 1: "Teresita..."
Teresita: "Do not worry..."
Teresita only smiled at her daughter.
Teresita: "It's normal that kids can see their imaginary friends."
Teresita points out some children who are playing alone in the playground too.
Teresita: "Look... They look so happy even if the children are spending time alone."
Mother 1: sighs*
CHAPTER 01:
“FIRST DAY”
Years later, Alex finally achieved her dream of becoming a scholar at Prestigious Manila University (PMU).Excitement bubbled up inside her as she walked onto the campus for the first time. This was it—her dream school, her fresh start. Today was her first day of class, and she couldn’t help but feel excited and nervous.As soon as she stepped into the classroom, she was greeted by the lively chatter of her new classmates. The room was filled with laughter, and the atmosphere was lighthearted and carefree. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the first day.Alex scanned the room for an empty seat and quietly settled into one near the back. This is it, she thought as she pulled out her notebook and pen. Despite the noise around her, she was eager to learn, looking forward to when the teacher would arrive. She took a deep breath, ready to face the challenges ahead.As soon as Alex sat down in her seat, she noticed two boys behind her—Vash and Mike. They were staring at her and whispering, clearly plotting how they would bully her.
Suddenly, the teacher spoke, “Class, my name is Teacher Liezel, and I will be your instructor for Philippine Myth and History. Now, it’s time to introduce yourselves.”
One by one, the students stood up to share their names and a bit about themselves. When it was Alex’s turn, she took a deep breath and stood up, trying to shake off the nerves.
“Hello, everyone! My name is Alex Celorico, and I’m from Laguna.”
Just as she finished, Vash and Mike burst into loud laughter.
Confused, Alex asked, “Why are you laughing?”
Vash sneered, “Hahaha! You’re from the province? What’s up, Promdi?”
The whole class erupted into laughter. Alex sat back down, glancing at the two boys who were still chuckling to themselves.
“SECOND DAY”
On her second day at PMU, Alex entered the classroom with a mix of determination and anxiety. She was ready to push through the teasing from the day before.As Teacher Liezel began the lesson about Philippine myth and history, Alex focused intently on the board, trying to absorb every word.However, Vash and Mike had other plans. They exchanged mischievous glances and started tossing a crumpled paper ball back and forth, whispering and laughing to themselves. After a few moments, Vash aimed carefully and threw the paper ball at Alex’s head.Alex felt the paper ball hit her, but she chose to ignore it, even though frustration bubbled beneath the surface. She kept her gaze fixed on the teacher, determined not to let Vash and Mike see that their antics were getting to her, even though annoyance lingered in her chest.
“THIRD DAY”
On the third day, Teacher Liezel’s lesson was all about myths. She asked the class if anyone knew any Philippine mythical stories. Without hesitation, Alex raised her hand, excitement shining in her eyes.
“I have one, ma’am!” she exclaimed eagerly.
As Alex finished her story about Maria Makiling, the classroom was quiet, absorbed in the tale. But Mike suddenly yelled out, bursting into laughter.
"Seriously, Alex? Do you believe in those fairytales? Maria Makiling? Hahaha! What are you, crazy?"
Vash sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The classroom erupted in laughter, with some students joining in. The class erupted into laughter, with some students joining in.
Teacher Liezel quickly intervened, “Alright, enough. Settle down, class,” she said firmly, silencing the room before proceeding with the lesson.
Alex quietly returned to her seat, her face flushed with frustration. But it wasn’t over. Moments later, a crumpled paper ball landed on her desk. She unfolded it to see the hurtful message:
“Promdi, are you crazy? Is that how everyone from Laguna is? Hahaha!”
Her hands tightened around the note, anger boiling inside her.
Alex tried to leave quickly when the class was dismissed, Vashand Mike blocked her way. Vash grinned maliciously, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Look at you, little Promdi, telling us about fake mountain spirits. You are crazy, aren’t you? Is that how they raise kids in Laguna? Weird and stupid!”
Mike joined in, laughing. “Yeah, probably talk to trees too! Why don’t you go back to the province where you belong? No one wants a weirdo like you here.”
Their words echoed across the room, and Alex could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, some laughing, others just watching in silence. After class, Alex, feeling cornered, decided to go to Teacher Liezel’s office. She knocked on the door and stepped inside, wiping away the tears.
“Ma’am, I need your help,” Alex began, her voice shaking slightly.
“Vash and Mike… they’re bullying me. It’s been happening every day. Today they threw this paper at me.”
She handed over the crumpled note with trembling hands, hoping Teacher Liezel would understand.Teacher Liezel barely glanced at the note before dismissing it with a sigh.
“Alex, I understand this is hard, but it’s not that serious. Why don’t you just try to ignore them?” she said, her tone dismissive.
“But, ma’am, they won’t stop. They’re making fun of where I’m from, calling me names—”
Teacher Liezel cut her off gently but firmly.
"Alex, just go home and get some rest. We can talk about this another time" she said, her tone making it clear that she didn’t see the issue as urgent.
Feeling crushed and unheard, Alex left the office, her eyes welling up with tears. She had hoped for support, but now she felt even more alone, the weight of the bullying heavier than ever.
As Alex walked back to her dorm, anger and anxiety swirled inside her. “Why didn’t she believe me? Why is this happening?” She ran her hands through her hair, trying to calm herself, but it was no use.
That’s when she saw it, a shadow shifting in the corner of her room. Her breath hitched. “Did something move?” She blinked and her pulse quickened, but the shadow seemed to inch closer. Faint, chilling whispers began to fill the silence, barely audible but enough to unsettle her.The room felt like it was shrinking, the shadow growing more defined and menacing.
“This can’t be real.”
Alex whispered to herself, squeezing her eyes shut. But the fear, the hallucinations, wouldn’t stop. They grew louder, feeding her sense of isolation and fear.
CHAPTER 02:Early morning, PMU parking lot...
The parking lot buzzed with chatter and laughter as students gathered, their excitement bubbling over the upcoming field trip to Mount Makiling. Alex stood at the edge of the group, clutching her backpack tightly. She hesitated by the bus door, watching her classmates pile in.
This day will be different, she thought. No teasing, no trouble. Taking a deep breath, she climbed aboard and found an empty seat near the front. Before she could settle in, Vash and Mike appeared, exchanging mischievous grins as they took the seats directly behind her.
Mike: “Hey, ‘Promdi,’ ready to meet your mountain friends?”
Alex stared out the window, ignoring him. She pressed her hands together tightly in her lap, focusing on the excitement of the trip rather than the familiar knot forming in her stomach.
The bus rumbled to life, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the open road.
An hour later, the bus winds through scenic mountain roads.Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dancing patterns on the road as the bus climbed higher into the mountains. Teacher Liezel stood at the front, gripping the seat backs for balance.
Teacher Liezel: (projecting her voice) “Alright, everyone, let’s have a little history lesson before we arrive! Mount Makiling is named after the legendary guardian, Maria Makiling. She’s said to protect the mountain and those who respect it.”
Student 1: (curious) “Ma’am, do people still believe in Maria Makiling?”
Teacher Liezel: (smiling) “Some do, some don’t. But many say that if you disrespect the mountain, she’ll take vengeance.”
The students murmured excitedly, a mix of intrigue and apprehension.
Behind Alex, Vash leaned over and whispered loudly to Mike.
Vash: “Looks like Alex is about to meet her fairy godmother.”
Mike: “Maybe Maria Makiling will teach her how to be normal.”
Alex’s grip tightened on the strap of her bag. She kept her gaze fixed on the trees rushing past the window, her knuckles white as Vash and Mike chuckled behind her.
The bus stopped at the foot of the mountain, and the students spilled out onto the gravel parking lot, stretching and taking in the fresh mountain air. Alex stepped off slowly, her eyes scanning the towering trees and lush greenery.
For the first time that day, she felt calm. The mountain seemed to welcome her, its quiet majesty soothing her frayed nerves. Teacher Liezel called for everyone to gather in a circle.
Teacher Liezel: “Alright, listen up! We’ll hike up to our campsite where we’ll set up for the night. Stick with your groups, and remember—respect the mountain. It’s a sacred place for many.”
Student 2: “Are there really spirits in here, Ma’am?”
Teacher Liezel: “That’s for you to decide. But it never hurts to show respect.”
The group began their hike, the sound of crunching leaves and occasional bird calls filling the air. Alex stayed near the middle of the pack, feeling a strange pull toward the forest as if it were calling to her. By evening, the group reached the campsite, a small clearing surrounded by towering trees.
As the fire died down after dinner, Teacher Liezel instructed everyone to set up their tents. Alex struggled with the poles and fabric, her movements clumsy and uncoordinated.
Nearby, Vash and Mike had already finished and stood watching her with amused expressions.
Vash: “Need help, Promdi?”
Alex: “No, I’m fine.”
They laughed and wandered off, leaving Alex to fumble with the tent until she finally managed to set it up. Exhausted, she crawled inside and zipped it shut.
Middle of the night, campsite.The forest was quiet, the faint chirping of crickets the only sound. Alex lay awake in her tent, her mind replaying Teacher Liezel’s words about Mount Makiling. She tried to push away the unease and convince herself the stories were just legends.
Then, a soft rustling sound outside her tent made her freeze. At first, she dismissed it as the wind or an animal. But the noise grew louder, circling her tent with deliberate steps. Her heart pounded as she sat up, clutching her sleeping bag.
A whisper broke through the silence:
Mysterious Voice: (softly) “Alex… Alex…”
Her breath hitched. She stared at the tent wall, her pulse racing. With trembling hands, she reached for the zipper and peeked outside.Near the edge of the trees stood a shadowy figure. Its outline was faint but unmistakably human. The figure stood still, head tilted as though studying her.
Alex: (whispering) “Who… Who are you?”
The figure didn’t answer. It lifted a hand slowly, beckoning her forward. Alex felt an unexplainable pull, her body leaning toward the figure before she caught herself.
Suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept through the clearing, rustling the leaves and shaking her tent. She blinked, and the figure was gone.
Scrambling back inside, Alex wrapped herself tightly in her sleeping bag, her body trembling. Her mind swirled with questions. Was it real? Or her imagination?As the first rays of dawn broke through the trees, Alex finally drifted into a restless sleep, haunted by the shadowy figure’s gaze—and the chilling certainty that someone was watching her.
CHAPTER 3:Morning, on the campsite...The campsite buzzed with uneasy whispers. Teacher Liezel stood in the center, her face pale as she addressed the students.
Teacher Liezel: “Mike hasn’t been seen since last night. We’re forming a search party. Everyone else, stay in the campsite.”
The announcement sent a ripple of fear through the group.
Student 1: (whispering) “What if something took him?”
Student 2: “Like what?”
Student 1: “Maria Makiling… or maybe a tikbalang?”
The mention of Philippine mythical creatures made some students shiver, but Vash rolled her eyes, stepping forward.
Vash: (angrily) “Seriously? He probably wandered off because he’s an idiot. Stop scaring people.”
Her sharp tone drew everyone’s attention.
Student 3: “Still… what if it’s true?”
Alex stood on the outskirts of the group, her heart racing. She couldn’t tell them what she saw last night—the shadow, the whispers—because part of her wasn’t sure if it was real.
Afternoon, forest trail...Despite Teacher Liezel's instructions, a small group of students decided to search for Mike. Alex joined them, her steps hesitant as they moved deeper into the forest. Strange sounds echoed through the trees—rustling leaves, snapping branches, faint whispers carried by the wind.
Vash: “This is stupid. We’re wasting time. Mike’s probably back at camp stuffing his face.”
The group stopped abruptly. Ahead of them, sprawled at the base of a large tree, was Mike’s body.
Blood soaked his shirt, his face frozen in an expression of pure terror. Deep scratches covered his arms as if he had been dragged.
Student 2: (screaming) “Oh my god! What happened to him?!”
The forest seemed to grow colder. Alex stared at Mike’s lifeless form, but in her mind, his body began to shift. His face twisted into the snout of an aswang, his claws dripping with blood.
Alex (to herself): “It’s not real… It’s not real…”
The students scrambled to leave, fear driving them back toward camp. Vash shoved Alex roughly as they ran.
Vash: (angrily) “This is your fault, Promdi! You probably brought some stupid provincial curse with you!”
Alex froze, staring at Vash. In her eyes, Vash’s body was transforming—her legs elongating into the reverse-jointed limbs of a tikbalang. Her hair writhed like living vines, her eyes glowing an ominous yellow.
Vash (as seen by Alex): “You don’t belong here. You never did. Maybe I should deal with you myself.”
Alex: (screaming) “Stay away from me!”
She grabbed a heavy rock and swung it with all her strength.
Vash: (shouting) “What the hell are you—”
Alex brought the rock down again and again, until Vash’s face was unrecognizable, blood pooling beneath her head.
Night, campsite...
When Alex returned to the campsite, her mind had been wrecked. She stumbled into the clearing, her clothes soaked in blood, her breathing ragged.
The remaining students turned toward her in horror.
Student 2: (shaking) “Alex… what happened?”
In her eyes, the students were no longer human. One had become a manananggal, its upper body floating grotesquely with bat-like wings. Another was a kapre, its hulking form shrouded in smoke.
Student 3 (as seen by Alex): “You’re next, little girl. The mountain won’t let you leave.”
Alex: (to herself) “I have to stop them… before they kill me…”
She grabbed a nearby branch and swung wildly at the “creatures.” Screams erupted as her classmates tried to flee, but Alex pursued them with single-minded determination, her hallucinations fueling her rage. Blood sprayed as she struck down one after another.
Hours later...The campsite was silent except for the crackling of the campfire. Alex stood amidst the carnage, her chest heaving as she clutched her weapon.
Teacher Liezel stepped forward, her face pale but calm.
Teacher Liezel: “Alex, put it down. Please.”
Alex’s vision shifted again. Teacher Liezel’s form twisted into a terrifying diwata, her hair cascading like waterfalls, her skin glowing faintly.
Teacher Liezel (as seen by Alex): (calmly) “You think you’ve won? You’ve done nothing but anger the spirits further.”
Alex: (screaming) “You’re lying! You’re all trying to kill me!”
Teacher Liezel reached out her voice desperate.
Teacher Liezel: “Alex, stop. Look around you. Look at what you’ve done.”
For a moment, Alex’s hallucinations wavered, she saw the bodies of her classmates. Blood soaked the ground, the air heavy with the stench of death.
Alex: (whispering) “No… no, it can’t be…”
But the visions surged back, stronger than before. The diwata’s face twisted into a cruel smile. With a guttural scream, Alex charged, swinging the branch with all her strength.
The blow struck Teacher Liezel’s temple, her body crumpling to the ground in a pool of blood.
Hours had passed since the carnage...Alex sat in the clearing, her knees drawn to her chest, blood drying on her hands. The bodies of her classmates surrounded her, scattered like broken dolls beneath the faint light of dawn.
The forest was silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the wind. Alex’s mind was wrecked, her hollow eyes staring at nothing.The shadow figure appeared at the edge of the clearing, its form flickering as it stepped into the soft morning light. It stood across from her.
Shadow Figure: “It’s over, Alex. They’re gone… because of you.”
Alex’s lips trembled, but no words came out. Her gaze shifted to the bodies, and for a moment, their human forms flickered—an unbearable contrast to the mythical creatures she had fought in her mind.
Alex: (whispering, broken) “They weren’t real… They couldn’t have been real…”
The shadow figure stepped closer, crouching in front of her.
Shadow Figure: “They were real, Alex. Vash, your classmates… even Teacher Liezel. And Mike.”
At the mention of Mike, Alex’s head jerked up, her expression twisted in confusion.
Alex: (shaking her head) “No… Mike? No, I didn’t touch him… He—he disappeared. The mountain… it took him…”
The shadow figure’s gaze softened, but its voice was firm.
Shadow Figure: “No, Alex. The mountain didn’t take him. You did. Don’t you remember?”
Alex froze, her mind racing as fragmented memories began to surface. The shadow figure stood and began recounting the night of Mike’s death.
Flashback Scene: Mike’s DeathShadow Figure (voiceover): “Yesterday night at midnight. You saw Mike wandering near the forest’s edge, didn’t you?”
Alex’s vision blurred, and the memory unfolded before her. She remembered stepping out of her tent, following the sound of faint rustling.At the edge of the trees, she saw Mike. But in her mind, he wasn’t Mike anymore. His face had distorted into the snout of a sigbin, his glowing red eyes watching her hungrily. His jerky movements seemed alien, his elongated limbs clawing at the dirt.
Shadow Figure (voiceover): “You thought he was a sigbin—a creature that feeds on blood. You followed him into the forest, convinced he would kill you if you didn’t stop him first.”
Alex trailed the "sigbin" into the dense trees. Her breath was ragged, her fingers trembling as she gripped a sharp stick she’d picked up along the way.
When Mike stopped near a clearing and turned toward her, Alex screamed.
Alex: “Stay away from me! I won’t let you hurt me!”
She charged, driving the stick into Mike’s chest with all her strength. His scream echoed through the forest, but in her mind, it was a guttural growl. She stabbed him repeatedly, her eyes ablaze with wrath and terror.Mike collapsed to the ground, choking on his blood. In her distorted reality, Alex saw the sigbin dissolve into smoke.
Shadow Figure (voiceover): “But it wasn’t a creature, Alex. It was Mike. And when you saw the blood, you panicked. You couldn’t let anyone find out what you’d done.”
In the flashback, Alex frantically stripped off her blood-soaked shirt, burying it under a pile of leaves before stumbling back to the campsite.
Back to Present...Alex clutched her head, shaking it violently.
Alex: (screaming) “No! That’s not true! That’s not what happened!”
The shadow figure stepped closer, its voice both gentle and firm.
Shadow Figure: “It happened, Alex. You killed Mike. Just like you killed the others. The mountain didn’t take them. You did.”
Tears streamed down Alex’s face, her breath hitching as guilt and denial warred within her.
Alex: (whispering) “No… no, you’re lying. It was the mountain… the creatures… they tricked me…”
The shadow figure crouched in front of her, its voice soft.
Shadow Figure: “Alex, they were never creatures. They were people. They cared about you. But you couldn’t see it. You let the mountain twist your mind until you become the very thing you feared—a monster.”
The whispers returned, louder now, overlapping and taunting her.
Whispering Voices: “One of us… One of us… Welcome to the mountain…”
Alex let out a guttural scream, clutching her head as the laughter of the voices grew louder.The shadow figure stood, watching as Alex crumbled under the weight of her guilt and delusion.
Shadow Figure: (softly) “You could have stopped this, Alex. But now, it’s too late.”
The figure began to fade.
Alex: (desperately) “Wait! Don’t leave me! Please, don’t leave me!”
Shadow Figure: “Goodbye, Alex.”
But the shadow form was gone, leaving Alex alone. The forest became deeper, and the shadows encroached until she was swallowed by them. In her shattered world, Alex witnessed the bodies around her, shift once more, their human forms changing into ugly creatures with vacuous eyes and mocking smiles. Her screams echoed through the forest, carried by the wind like a haunting melody.
EPILOGUEWeeks later, search parties arrived at the mountain. They found the abandoned campsite, its haunting silence broken only by the persistent buzz of flies. The bodies of the students and Teacher Liezel were discovered, but Alex was nowhere to be found.Legends about the mountain grew. Whispers spread of a young woman wandering the forest, her eyes glowing like fireflies, her screams echoing through the night to haunt those who dared to enter.Some claimed she had become one of the mountain’s spirits, bound forever to the place of her madness. Others believed she was a warning—a grim tale of what happens to those consumed by fear and despair. But no one could say for certain. The mountain kept its secrets, just as it always had.