Tidewalkers - No new apps, see 2nd post!

[Rejam]

This place, though beautiful, is not one kind to strangers.

Here on the Southern borders life is a struggle. Unknown dangers and unexplored territories await, in a place where a beautiful thing is often a thing to be feared. Under the beating sun, where cover is provided by only the sparsest mangroves, a group of Kimeti are carving a life out of the shores by testing the limits of what Kin are capable of and banding together with other survivors, other uncomplaining, unflinching settlers.

We are the Tidewalkers. We are making this place our own. We own the ocean.

 

[Rejam]

The Idea

From her childhood on the gentle, amenable Northern reaches, Bitterleaf has yearned to prove herself--not for renown or legend, but to simply test the limits of a Kimeti's capability. As she grew into a doe and ventured further away from her friendly homeland, she sought out dangers, at first recklessly, and then with wisdom. With her favored son at her side she found the empty, storied shores, where many visit but few remain, and she made the decision, not only to settle it, but to bring together as many like-minded survivors as she could.

The Founding

With the small initial seed settlement of Bitterleaf, her son Jasper, and her daughter Waterside, Bitterleaf began systematically spreading the word through the Swamp: there are opportunities for the worthy at the Southern reaches.

The first few to express interest found themselves unable to survive the rigors of life at the ocean's side, and so Bitterleaf devised the Patrols, to weed out unworthy candidates and to test the mettle of existing members.

The Patrols

Potential Tidewalkers are subjected to a grueling hazing known as a Patrol. The name is misleading, as the goal of such an act is rarely to gain knowledge, although useful discoveries are sometimes made. Instead, the Patrol is a hike from the shore to the flatlands and back. Many a Kimeti can and do make such a journey at a leisurely wandering stride, but the pace set by the Tidewalkers is brutal and unforgiving, and the routes chosen carefully to provide the scarcest resources and hardest terrain. Most do not manage a full Patrol. Any who fails is welcome to try again after a season passes, but few return, realizing that the unrelenting challenge of the Patrol is a taste of every day life for the Tidewalkers.

The Life

Despite the hardships of living on the shore and the constant need for scouting, water-finding, channel-digging, fishing, hunting, stockpiling, exploring, boundary and danger marking, and news-delivering, life with the Tidewalkers is in some ways unmatched for joy and beauty.

Nightly, the Tidewalkers gather under the stars for swimming, singing, and storytelling; daily, between hunts and chores there are games and fighting. Visitors are welcomed with the utmost hospitality, feasted from the Tidewalkers stockpiles, and sent away with stories.

And on nights when the Bright Tide comes in, the surf shining pale blue in the darkness, all the Tidewalkers, even Bitterleaf, abandon their duties to dive in and savor the unique beauty of the ocean--a beauty that only a Tidewalker is truly privy to.

We are not currently accepting applications for new members unless you have pre-plotted their entrance with Rejam or Phoenix directly, or they are blood related to current members!

Applications will reopen, keep your eyes peeled smile

 

[Rejam]

Bitterleaf
The Matriarch
Although the title was initially given her as a joke by Thousand Blows, it surely suits Bitterleaf perfectly: the weathered, cantankerous, stoic, stubborn old mare has earned her position as the uncontested head of the Tribe not only by virtue of founding it, but also by being the complete embodiment of its ideals.

Despite the fact that she founded the Tidewalkers for her own purposes and not for glory--or perhaps because of it--her name has become infamous in the Swamp. Since her Ascension, she has truly lived up to the reputation of a mare: Bitterleaf is in the literal sense legendary.

Jasper
The Guard
Never mind that he says little and apparently has no will apart from Bitterleaf's: Jasper is the undisputed second-in-command of the Tidewalkers, and when Bitterleaf is away, his word (sparing though it may be) is law. He has little difficulty asserting his leadership, given his enormous, draft-horse frame and seemingly endless reserves of pain tolerance. He is a valued scout and Bitterleaf's trust in his endurance means he is often the first to test an unknown danger. This has nearly resulted in his death. Twice.

Waterside
The Protege
If Jasper is the muscle behind Bitterleaf, Waterside is the brains behind Jasper. The unspoken future leader of the Tidewalkers, Waterside is her mother's daughter: tough, stoic, unreadable, and charismatic. Despite this, she possesses a feminine streak and never underestimates the value of womanly wiles and her own strange brand of beauty--a trait that may lead her to more political maneuvering than her mother is inclined towards. She has given many children of her own to the Tidewalkers, and has her sights set on more.

The Permanent Residents

Flint
The Loner
Prone to brooding, Flint has an excess of sharp words and quick, angry outbursts. What goes unspoken is that he would throw himself in a lynx's jaws for Thousand Blows, but the day that gets out is the day Flint drowns himself in the surf. For all of that, however, Flint is not to be underestimated.


Thousand Blows
The Underdog
Seemingly too frail to live with the Tidewalkers, Thousand nonetheless brooks no insult and lives uncomplainingly. She is a special favourite of Bitterleaf, but judging from the higher standards that are therefore set for her, that is perhaps not the most comfortable place to be.


Thunderstruck
The Ascetic
Thunderstruck denies herself what few creature comforts are to be had on the beach in search of inner peace and balance. While this might seem strange in a land of such bounty, Thunderstruck has an ample supply of conviction and holds to her ideals in the face of any adversity. As such, she is left largely to herself by the other Tidewalkers, but is one of the more stable personalities on the beach. Despite her lean frame, seemingly too petite and delicate to put in hard work, Thunderstruck is a surprisingly strong sort, both in character and in physical presence.


Fen
The Jokester
With her bizarre, absurdist sense of humor, it may be difficult at first glance to see where Fen fits in among the Tidewalkers. She is rarely seen outside the company of Thousand Blows, and is ever-ready with a quip. But when she is put to the test it becomes obvious that humor is only her second love, and hardship--true challenge--is her first.


Crest
The Newcomer


Undertow
The Schemer
It’s hard to say what this doe’s motives are. She is a hard worker, but she has more than once been caught out in what can only be described as deceptions. Whether she’s moved by a need for respect or something more sinister is hard to judge, but she is a valuable contributor in the meanwhile, and a shrewd judge of character.


Shout
The Tempest
Undertow’s child, Shout is an angry, fractured thing. Any small trigger can set her off, and the violence and intensity of her rages are such that it’s difficult to say whether she can make a permanent home in the ranks.


Murmur
The Caretaker
Quiet, benevolent, and concerned, Murmur is a picture of paternal instinct despite his young age. He seems much older and more tired than he is, and is physically among the most fragile Tidewalkers—more than almost anyone he is truly challenged by the harsh demands of the Tidewalker lifestyle. He seems to feel no urge, however, to leave—whether it’s so that he can remain close to Shout, his particular ward, or because he genuinely appreciates the ability to prove himself.


Cove
The Mystery
It is hard to say who Cove actually is. Obviously a half-breed, Cove grew up on the beach torn between being one thing and the other. Instead, he is always both, which is awkward: he is dainty of bone like an acha, but has glowing eyes like a kimeti; he is both low tide, exposing his true nature, and high tide, when all is hidden. He fancies himself a safe haven, a welcoming sort, but he is reserved and secretive when on his own. Perhaps he will open up in time.


Crash
???


Sea Bird
The Determined Daydreamer
Gull is determined to prove herself an integral part of the tribe and works hard to follow any orders she is given to the letter. Though strong and sometimes harsh, her mind has a tendency to wander -- a habit which she hates, and attempts to fight as much as she can, as she sees it as an unacceptable weakness in a tidewalker. Usually when she finds herself drifting off she will drop whatever she's doing and run into the waves to clear her mind.


Squall
The Fighter
A gruff but well-meaning gentleman, Squall is an uncomplainingly hard worker who gets along with most everyone-- except when his temper flares up. Then he struggles to fight back acidic comments and violent urges long enough to drag himself off (often without a word of warning) to scout some far corner of the beach or renew the border symbols, returning only after his mood has passed with bashful apologies and attempts to make amends for his behavior. Fighting his nature has proven as futile as fighting the storms he took his name from, but that doesn't stop him from trying.

Those Who Come and Go

Frenzy
The Eater


Longstride
The Upstart
There are many who have heard of Longstride: boaster, womanizer, wanderer. Given his chronic wanderlust and independent nature, it's a little surprising that Longstride would ally himself with anyone. But Bitterleaf's charisma is a strong brew to the right type of competitive spirit, and even if he wouldn't admit it, it may be that perhaps Waterside's strange charm is as well...


Maelstrom
The Prodigal Son
Born into the Tidewalkers as one of Longstride and Waterside's children, Maelstrom's wildly erratic and unpredictable mood swings made his life with the tribe rather difficult. Unable to control his violent tendencies and struggling fiercely against the strictly imposed authority of his mother and grandmother, Storm is perpetually escaping the Tidewalkers and then coming back again months later, shameful and apologetic, only to find himself once again unable to handle his moods and comply to the rules of the tribe.


Soul Drift
The Mentor
Perhaps one of the most mellow of the Tidewalkers, Soul Drift almost always has some story, gossip, bit of advice, or other new thing to share with anyone curious enough, and willing, to listen to him ramble on. He is a mediator, teacher, storyteller and an uncomplaining set of helpful hooves whenever he can be. Yet, despite his obvious content in their midst, he nevertheless disappears, sooner or later, often without so much as a word-- only to return a month, or five, later.


Badgerlock
The Hermit
Mostly Badgerlock sticks to his own private corner, only coming together with others every few months. He is easy to find, however, and is willing to help anyone who needs it.


Bare Teeth
The Beast
Although he visits only rarely, Bare Teeth has earned himself an honorary title due to his frequent crossing of paths with patrols and his evident, unspoken fascination with the Tidewalkers mission. Alliances and company are not things he values highly, but he nonetheless indulges in the occasional trip down to the shore to wrestle sharks, battle riptides, and generally experience the particular exhilarations afforded by the sea.


 

[Rejam]

Requirements

There are only a few requirements to join the Tidewalkers:
- You must be an active RPer
- Your character must be a type realistic for the Tidewalkers (more below)
- You must fill out the form below
- You must submit the RP entry that is part of the form
- Your entry must be approved by Rejam
- Your Kimeti will only be added to the members list once the accepted member form has been posted and filled out in full

The Ideal Tidewalker

Regardless of gender, the ideal Tidewalker is an adult (unless he or she is the offspring of an existing Tidewalker, although upon reaching adulthood he or she will be sent on a Patrol like anyone else) who would be realistically able to complete the Patrol set by Bitterleaf. More than this, the ideal Tidewalker is not one given to whining, and such complaining can be grounds for dismissal from the Tidewalkers.

Not every Tidewalker takes up permanent residence on the beach. Indeed, a great many of the numbers are wanderers who spend a good deal of time at the ocean and have a friendly affiliation with Bitterleaf. Regardless, these come-and-goers are expected to live up to the same standards as permanent residents.

The Tidewalkers are open to any Kin, not just Kimeti. Acha, however, may find they have a harder time than most overcoming the Matriarch's prejudices. Some Kimeti blood will be a help.

Any Tidewalker is free to leave the ranks and sever loyalties at any time. The Tidewalkers are not possessive.

Additionally, Tidewalkers, despite being rough-and-tumble, are not bad people. They may be intimidating, or even socially inept; some are sarcastic, some are detached, some are predatory, but none are cruel. A truly evil streak will have a person out of the Tidewalkers in a hurry.

OOCly, Tidewalkers are expected to be semi-active to active RPers (we don't have formal standards, we get that life happens) and capable writers. You don't have to blow us away or indeed even spell everything right--just do your best and have some basic grammar and sentence-forming skills!

Application

To apply, please fill out the form and paste it in this thread. Rejam will review it and get back to you with either acceptance or feedback. By and large there are no wrong answers--we are just looking to get to know your character and how he or she might fit in on the beach.

[b]Your username:[/b]
[b]Your Kin (please link name to cert):[/b]
[b]Why your Kin is a potential Tidewalker:[/b]
[b]Everyone has a weakness. What might keep your Kin from being the perfect Tidewalker?[/b]
[b]Please write a brief RP entry on one of the following topics: your Kin's first patrol; how your Kin heard of the Tidewalkers and decided to join; or your Kin's return to the beach and new home after completing the first patrol:[/b]

Get Added to the Members List

Please submit the following on approval:

[b]Your Kin:[/b]
[b]Short tag/title for Kin (check to make sure not already in use):[/b]
[b]A short blurb about your Kin and how s/he fits in to the Tidewalkers or what his or her jobs might be. Subject to oversight by Rejam:[/b]
[b]Permanent resident or come-and-go?[/b]

 

[Rejam]

Got an idea for a plot? Post! Most Tidewalkers plots are probably more along the lines of political rivalries and personal intrigue than big world-changing things, but brainstorm away!

 

[Rejam]

The latest stirrings in the Tidewalker grapevine will go here...

 

[Rejam]