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Name: Qeaka (Kee-ay-kah)

Race: Menehune

Gender: Male

3 Base Traits: Pragmatic, Proud, Adventurous

Personality: Qeaka was raised by the lessons of the Ko’kapu, making him disciplined and somewhat inflexible with how he does things. On the other hand, he has an insatiable curiosity that allows him the ability to explore and be inventive when the situation calls for it. Pride and repeated lessons of tradition has thus far kept him on the straight and narrow, keeping him mostly naïve of the non-Kahikan world and also a respected member of his colony. He is more likely to make decisions based on “what is best” rather than any kind of social drive. Beneath the stubbornness and pride though, the spark of an adventurer who wants more than the minimal life of Po'onua is hidden and waiting for its chance to blossom. Such a desire would be incredibly frowned upon by his family, so he keeps it hidden for now.

Description:
Colors
Hairstyle
Two barbels each side (( if one side could have one and a half barbels due to a beginner hunting mishap, that would be awesome! ))
Markings definitely along both hips, plus on one shoulder that goes up the neck to just below the jaw. Either shoulder is good. Extra markings are CC if artist feels like it.
Tattoo of a crab or some other crustacean critter on the thick of his forearm. Inspo
A strong and lean build from growing up swimming and hunting.

Clothing:
Basic reed/seaweed shirt with these as inspo. Fitted underneath with a loose layer of strands over it. Would like a range of colors from the Menehune clothing color palette
ShirtA (no hood)
ShirtB

History:
Qeaka is from one of the older families from deep in the marshes of Elehun, of the Po’onua settlement. He grew up listening to the elders complain about the Great Drought and how it forced them to interact with the outside world/ other Kahikinans for survival. Following the Ko’kapu as closely as possible is how that part of the settlement believes they can make amends for such past weakness. If any outside help is needed again, then it is purely a last resort business transaction solely for the benefit or the colony.

He lives with one great-grandparent, three of his four grandparents, his parents, and one younger brother; with aunts, uncles, and cousins living nearby. He has grown up under the lessons of the multi-generational household, always encouraged to work hard and for the benefit of the family/colony. He learned the art of hunting, and continues to refine his skills. His family specializes in catching crabs and shrimp from the deepest sections of the waterways. They are a tough and hard working unit of a family. While they’re not the most outwardly affectionate, no one could question their loyalty to each other and the community.

Qeaka has always felt a little different. Being surrounded by the influences of tradition and expectations, he learned early on to quell the more adventurous and inquisitive side of his nature. While smothering part of who he is, he is still determined to make his family proud, be a good example for his little brother, and carry on the lessons of the Ko’kapu.

The ‘innocence’ can’t last forever though. The waterways are flourishing with life this season, which is mostly good. The colony is seeing a disruptive overabundance of the crabs they hunt though, and the excess needs to be removed and sold outside of home. The colony will have to pick someone strong and loyal to take the goods to the outer borders and villages to sell. Someone who will not be swayed by the lackadaisical belief that the Ko’kapu is merely a set of guidelines. Someone they can trust. Someone like Qeaka. Surely he won’t be drawn out into the bright and loud world, right? (fyi, he totally is going to be drawn out!)