Zebra Kutula [Ready]

[starswirlthebearded]

Roleplay Type: Mane RP

Name: Kutula

Sex: Female

Age: Mare

Species: Zebra

Eye colour: Green with a dull iris

Coat: Dull white coat with dark black stripes

Mane/Tail:Mane is kept relatively short, spiked upwards, almost similar to a mowhawk (or traditional zebra mane) alternating black and white in similar shades to her coat, while the tail is short but well kept

Physique: Physically fit, but average size for zebra

Residence: Nomadic in Unyasi along the north shore

Occupation: Mediator

Cutie Mark: The symbol of siamese crocodiles. Which looks like square with simple crocodiles intersected at the center. This symbolizes two crocodiles that share one stomach, which symbolizes democracy and unity.

Kutula achieved this cutie mark in a way that none expected. It was a rather dry season within Unyasi, and every zebra was on edge, unsure of how they were going to keep going. Water was scarce and every drop counted. A young colt snuck extra water, and the elders of the tribe ganged up on him, demanding justice be done. That he not be allowed his next daily allowance of water as punishment. He did not deny taking the water, knowing the state of things, and was prepared to take the punishment coming to him.

Kutala was within earshot of the exchange, but noticed something that was off about the colt’s voice. It wasn’t her place to intervene, but felt like justice wouldn’t be done, and the colt would be punished for nothing! She, without thinking, jumped between the two groups. Claiming that the entire story wasn’t told, that the colt’s voice was keeping something secret. The colt shyed away, but Kutala persisted asking what really happened. And requested that any punishment be held off until the truth was known. The adults asked why she was so sure, she simply replied that “The wind carrying the colt’s voice said the full story was not yet told.” She asked the colt again, stating that she would help him with her share of water if it came to that.

It became known that the colt was an older brother to a young foal, who was extremely thirsty. The elders then looked at the ashamed colt with sadness, knowing they were going to punish one who was ready to take punishment to help out one whose needs were greater than his. They stated that they were wrong, and that the foal needed the water more than they.Later that day, the tribal chief Zeti summoned Kutala. A bit worried, she approached Zeti, who requested her to become the official tribal mediator, for her ability to see without seeing. When she had left, Zeti mentioned that Kutala had obtained her cutie mark.

History: Kutala was born into a nomadic zebra tribe who transversed the northern side of Unyasi. She was named for the word for peace. Kutala wasn’t a fortunate foal though, she was born without the ability to see. Believing in the power of nature, her parents would always tell her to trust in what nature told her. The sounds around her, that the wind brought forth, the vibrations of the ground, the smells of what she was going to eat and drink (and occasionally other zebras and critters), and whatever her instincts told her. would come to pass. She did her best to not be slowed, and it made her look like a clumsy foal. Many of the foals and fillies she played with merely thought she was just naturally clumsy, while the stallions and mares almost looked upon her with pity.

As she grew older, into fillyhood, doing what her parents instructed became second nature. Not only did nopony think of her as the same clumsy foal, but many considered her one of the more agile fillies in the tribe. Not being able to read and write, she focused on mastering the art of conversation. She eventually got to the point where she could detect slight fluctuations in the voice. Through experience she figured out which fluctuations meant what. She became very adept at being able to read into, so to speak, what a pony was saying. She used this to her advantage to get ponies to reach an agreement, and soon she became known for being able to find solutions and agreements where others did not think it were possible, at least amongst the colts and fillies.

She didn’t just use her acute senses for “work” however. What would the fun be of being able to run around if you couldn’t romp around with your friends! She would often participate in races, which she would often lose. Though in the few times she would win, she usually went so far past the finish line that her friends would joke that she could only stop running if she lost. The other game she often played was hide and seek, which she was rather adept at. She almost never lost at that! She would merely listen to where each of her friends went, and would follow suit finding them quickly and effectively. Like always, she would tell those who questioned her prowess, that the wind simply told her their locations. This eventually became a running joke with her friends, as anything that she could do inexplicably, it would always be “the wind” or “the ground” or “the trees” and so forth, telling her things they told no one else because they weren’t listening. She wasn’t the best at hiding though. She wasn’t the worst off, but she was almost never the last to be found! Occasionally she’d play the high jump game, where everyone would try to outdo each other jumping over objects. This, she was not that great in. The colts always seemed to beat her! She didn’t mind though, she just enjoyed the sport with the rest of her friends in the tribe.

When she was summoned to the tribal leader Zeti, an odd thing happened... She found that the elders of the tribe started treating her differently. They no longer looked upon her with pity. The treated her with respect and dignity as a valued member of the tribe. She noticed that they talked to her differently. She continued her work as the official mediator of the tribe, solving many conflicts between ponies. Whether it be a simple argument over duties within the tribe or more serious matters. She always seems to find some common ground and be able to reach a solution that is mutually beneficial.

Character Summary: Kutula is a kind and gentle soul. She never wants to see anypony wronged or hurt. Whether this is physically or mentally. She believes greatly in fairness and impartiality. She uses these views to better herself as a mediator. She always tries her best to find mutually beneficial solutions to any problem. She’ll even put her own needs on the line or give up something of hers if it will help alleviate a situation. This includes water, food, or even her own time to help someone outside of mediation. She is often soft spoken, but she knows how to take control of a conversation if needed.

Kutula may be blind, but she is in no way handicapped. In fact, the fact that she could not see allowed her to listen to everything, hear things others could not because their eyes covered what their ears could hear. Kutula uses her senses to make up for the lack of sight, and she does it as second nature, having never known what the world looks like. If you ask her to describe something, she’ll in detail, explain what it sounds like, how it feels, if it is living, how it moves and shakes the ground, how it smells, and yes, occasionally how it tastes. A few in the tribe even claim that she has a sixth sense, as she never seems to bump into anything or anyone. Kutula knows this is not so. The way she explains it, is that nature tells her. The ground will be uneven around anything that is on the ground, wind will break, sounds will change, even the light on her face will feel different depending on what is around her or what time of day it is. Her sixth sense, as others call it, is merely her working senses, working in unison, as she hopes all ponies will strive to do no matter what.

Other than that, she enjoys what most others enjoy. Rest and relaxation when needed, but never shies away from activity with friends or family. Though in her tribe, the two are often one in the same. The tribe elders would tell stories of what they saw. Sometimes, when she could, she would do the same, only she’d tell the same story, as she perceived it. Speaking in almost a poetic sense of how nature showed her the same event. She didn’t play the same games as she did as a filly, naturally, but she loves to impress the fillies and colts with her ability to see without seeing. Never truly revealing her secrets. Her friends she grew up with and tribal elders, knowingly would laugh and go along with it, giving the same answers as she would give, even in private. Keeping the “magic” alive for the young fillies and colts of the tribe. She regularly accepts challenges from any filly or colt who think they can fool her “elemental confidants.”

She loves it when ponies can get along in peace and harmony with no issues other than to think what they want to do next together is. Likewise she dislikes strife, and discord between her fellow ponies. She, especially tries to never be in disharmony with anypony, and always seeks to mend any relationship between those around her. If two strangers were arguing in front of her, she would likely ask politely if she could be the impartial third party to see if a resolution could not be reached.

Kutula is true to her name and cutie mark. Always striving for peace and harmony to all those she meets.

*Permission was granted from Bellosh for all references to Zeti*

[Bellosh]

Wow, I must say I'm rather impressed with this app! Many users don't really know how to write apps for blind characters, but you did a fantastic job here in my opinion. Kutula is certainly a character I'd want to RP with.

I'll pass this app along now.

[starswirlthebearded]

Thanks Bellosh! I tried. This was a challenge to myself to use an overdone trope effectively and interestingly. I'm happy you like it

I just made a few small edits for clarity and proofready type stuff. 3AM writing doesn't really do well for making a perfect error free writing experience.

[Rosewind]