by Talgir Moontide on June 16th, 2011, 4:16 am
Moontide Pod
Details: The Moontide pod is a relatively new pod in comparison to some of the more respected names on the Suvan, but their roots speak for themselves. Before the Lia of the Moontide pod began her family, she was Alaza Everblue. Everblue, a pod that remains in name only these days, descended from the DeepSpeakers, a pod devoted to communing with the ponderous leviathans beneath the ocean’s surface, to understand the world beneath them. Historically speaking, the Svefra of DeepSpeakers were never appeared directly responsible for maritime troubles on the high seas. Remaining the in the deeps, the pod rarely traveled to shore. However, there was a period of time in which leviathans plagued several Zeltivan and Syliran ships en route to their destinations. No definitive proof could be drawn to the abnormally at-rest DeepSpeakers, but suspicion remained.
The DeepSpeakers still exist, albeit abnormally inclusive for a Svefra pod. From the DeepSpeakers came the Everblue and the Flyingfish, though the pod of the FlyingFish was absorbed into Roguewave and have been there since. The Everblue was enjoyed a chaotic, if but brief, existence in the Suvan sea pestering trading ships between Syliras and Riverfall. Although somewhat savage for their people, few could say the Everblue did not know how to throw a celebration. Every meeting with a new pod or a friendly face was met with days long celebrations, beach fires, and a dancing and music competition they coined Melodies of the Seafoam. To this day, the Moontide pay homage to their former pod by annually celebrating Melodies of the Seafoam in any port or area they have found during that time. Of course it was partly their chaotic and impulsive nature which led them to ruin. Several trading vessels were bound for Syliras out of Riverfall, racing toward the docks with all possible haste. Behind them, a storm rose and followed, roiling on the horizon. The Everblue took a risk they should not have. Rather than prepare for the storm, they turned the brunt of their ships to chasing down the lucrative cargo. The Lia assumed the skill of her pod and the blessings of Laviku would protect them from the worst, but it was Zulrav they should have prayed to. In their arrogance they lost the majority of their ships in the storm, only succeeding in stalling most of the Zeltivan ships long enough to sink them as well. A singularly crushing loss, the remainder of the Everblue either joined with various pods that would have them, or seemed to vanish off the seas entirely. Alaza, a young and recently pregnant woman at the time, was on one such sunken ship. It was only her training in Morphing that saved her, allowing her to take the form of a shark and escape from the wreckage of her pod. Unfortunately, the life of her tavan was lost in the chaos. Alone and frightened, she took refuge briefly with the Maelstrom family, although did not end up committing to their pod. She had her first two children there, caring for them while she recovered from the shock of her lost. While grateful the Maelstrom had helped her, her heart was set on her own pod, her own family. With the EverBlue gone, she sought out new purpose from Laviku. In her own boat, setting a course for Syliras, she was caught by strange currents and spun off course. By the full moon light as she struggled to right her casinor, an unimaginable shape passed beneath her boat. The blood of the DeepSpeakers ran through her veins, now more than ever. Whether by chance or the grace of her patron God, she had been sent an opportunity to begin her own pod, to begin building anew. The creature, a Katalimaru, was a leviathan easily the length of three casinors and thick as an oak tree. Even then, it was young, barely into maturity. Alaza befriended the creature, amid those moonlit waters, both founding her pod’s Pardisa and name.
It was not difficult to build her family, though it took time. The Suvan sea is home to most Svefra, but it is one not to be underestimated. A mixture of mating and new recruits joined her growing family. She was able to assimilate a lesser family recently, those of the FreeWind and worshipers of Zulrav. Strengthened and a prominent family among the Svefra once more, Alaza set out to create a family she could protect, could instruct, and could care for as she did her own years before. Although far more level headed than her previous Lia, there is still some of the Everblue wildness in her. Her family focuses on respect for the ocean and even the process of becoming part of its world. Morphing, the talent which helped her escape certain death, is a required course for her children and those of her pod. Training to grow gills or webbed feet and hands when in danger or the need arises is, as she believes, a crucial skill to live on the sea. She tolerates worshippers of Laviku and Zulrav equally at this point, her respect for what she knows…the sky above and the sea below. She encourages all her pod to secure relationships, if possible, with the two gods as their domain is the one traveled by the entire pod. By now the Katalimaru is nearly a true leviathan, easily able to overturn large boats. While frightening to behold, it guards the pod against some of the greater horrors of the deep.
Wind at her back and Sea beneath her, Alaza and the Moontides strive to make their mark on the world, to honor both sea and sky, and learn that in order to truly love and understand the sea, one must become part of it.
FOR MOONTIDES
-Morphing of at least 5 points is necessary at character creation. Those who join the Moontide from other pods are exempt from this rule, but will be encouraged to learn the practice so long as they carry the name. Those with higher morphing may teach to those who do not have as much experience. It would also be helpful if one of your starting lore is Model: Gills so that you may pass it on to someone who does not have it. Morphing progression is encouraged.
-Beginning Tavan are your choice, though creatures of two natures are favored for first Tavan. Otters, Turtles, Birds, Serpents (Those smart enough to understand), and any other animal that is of two worlds can ground a younger Svefra in the concept of being part of two existences. Later Tavan, should the first perish, are usually deeper water dwelling creatures…and sometimes a young Katalimaru may make present itself to a Moontide, although none save the Lia have had the honor yet.
-Flashbacks can be run on the Family boats, currently consisting of four Palivar, and several Casinar. Those who leave the family pod fleet are asked to return when they find themselves ready to give a child or pass on their Casinars to the youngling that wish to venture forth on their own.
-Piracy is something the Moontide participate in. They are not as rowdy and spontaneous as their predecessors the Everblue, but should the pod see something they desire, that would strengthen the whole, they may be inclined to take it.
-The Lia is nearing the end of her natural lifespan, nearly 43. A new Lia has yet to reveal herself as a candidate.
-Caiyha, Laviku, Leth, and Zulrav are the deities most respected by the Moontide. Caiyha for her importance in the connection of all plants and animals, the creatures that offer their life that the pod may live. Laviku for the sea they live upon and Zulrav for the sky above them and the wind in their sails. Leth is respected as it was by his light that Alaza found her Pardisa and started the pod. Alaza encourages her people to have relationships with at least one, if not all of the gods, respecting and thanking them for what they provide.
-The tattoo of the pod is a swath of blue color, the sea, and a silver disk above, the moon, while a green serpent undulates three coils above the waves…the three original of the Moontide pod.
-If you are interested in the family, toss me a pm, I’d be more than happy to run over some history and get you set up with the family. Thank you for your interest!
Last edited by
Talgir Moontide on June 16th, 2011, 9:54 pm, edited 3 times in total.
