Guru of Aquafolk: “Ang Kataw”
Gurus of Kromatista #1
[Update Jan 2026: Outfit redesign]
| He/him | Jun 23 ♋️ | Mid-20s (human years) | ISFP | 170cm / 5’6” (estimate) |
“Want someone to sing with? Or looking for some fashion advice, perhaps? Either way, maasahan mo ako, igan!”
One of Talabas’ most famous traditions is its beauty pageants, held once every five years. Human and Beastfolk are allowed to compete, so long as they are native to the island. Winner earns the title of Kagandahan (“Beauty”), one of the greatest honors one can ever receive in Talabas.
Only one resident, then a Duyong-tao (Sirenifolk) prince, has managed to become a three-time Kagandahan. That little dugong banned himself from competing further after his third win. But now, he is the Sirenifolk’s most respected datu, as well as the sea’s spokesman as a shapeshifting Guru — Bayani Alindogan.
Bayani is the youngest of the Trishisya, Guru Chandra’s three disciples. While his peers work in intelligence and diplomacy, the “Sea Witch” made it his life’s mission to revitalize the aquatic community through art and fashion. He’s got a collection of really nice clothes, and he seems to like his new caramel brown hair.
His fixation on art isn’t without reason. As a calf, Bayani had lived through a great tragedy that befell his kind: the Sirenifolk Skinnings. A precious art form was lost, as the “Human’s Usurper” and his servants came for the flesh of his tribe’s tattoo-bearers. The sea has been quiet since. No one dares to make themselves seen or heard to humans.
Bayani, too, was part of this silence, back when he was but a helpless child. But decades have gone by, and things have changed in Kromatista. He has a voice now, louder than ever, and this voice he shall use to sing —
For the martyred, for the survivors, for the past, present, and future.
— Makoto S.
Other Entries
[WIP] Guru of Furfolk - Razak Malik Lee (Malaysia)
[WIP] Guru of Scalefolk - Dirgantara Sinaga (Indonesia)
[WIP] Guru of Featherfolk - Chandra Narthaka (India)