Waver Counterculture

Wavers are fans of Hadley Day’s “The Eternal Waves” series of books. Fans have created their own unique culture that could be only considered loosely based upon the cultures found within the seventeen books. While mainly an online phenomena, Wavers take great pleasure in the occasional physical meet up, even when the topic has nothing to do with the books.
The centre of the Waver counterculture is home in Slandwar, where Hadley Day lives, though no one has seen him. Online, Wavers share pictures of their cosplay and fanworks, while some also chat in a language based upon the books.

History

In 2006, the first book of “The Eternal Waves” was published and it caught on like wildfire. As the readership grew, the standalone book spawned a sequel and the term “Wavers” was brought up in an online forum. Hadley Day used the term in an interview published to the new and already largely trafficked fan site, Kaula’s Eternity.
The first large gathering of fans happened in September of 2009, at the Shelswell Public Library, where it was said Hadley Day was to appear for a book signing. However, with the overwhelming amount of fans, the author apologized and was unable to go out, but wrote a short story about a popular side character in return, as well as dropping off 400 signed copies of the first book at the library.
By the spring of 2010, with the release of the third book, plans for the first fan convention dedicated to the series was in the works. It took place at the Green, with groups dedicated to discussing different topics about the books and even a cosplay competition for those attending to vote on their perspective of what the main character, Kaula, really looked like. Businesses around the Green complained about the gathering and while the unofficial convention was broken up, the rest of the weekend was followed up online in cafés, restaurants, and other public places on Slandwar's west side.
In the years since, Wavers have made a strong presence online. Internet-exclusive conventions have popped up almost every single year, with the occasional live event thrown in an appropriately reserved place.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

While other languages have been referred to in “The Eternal Waves”, they have not been explicitly written. From the general descriptions of the languages, some Wavers have constructed parts of the languages themselves to use amongst the fandom. One of the languages is complete with a dictionary and grammar guide. While no agreed upon pronunciation guide exists, the written language is completely comprehensible with the free to read documents provided on the biggest fan website Kaula’s Eternity.

Shared customary codes and values

Wavers believe in the strength of created bonds more than that of bonds dictated by society or genetic ties. They straddle a fine line between celebrating their individualities and taking heart in their obligation to a group - not referring only to the fandom group, but in whatever associations they decide to take, whether primary or secondary.

Common Dress code

by Vitaliy Lyubezhanin

Wavers do not have a specific dress code, but many of them wear gloves or have tattoos similar to Eternity's to display their passion for their fandom. The character Eternity is described with tattoos on her hands similar to mehndi. Those who do not partake in permanent or momentary tattoos, or gloves, often wear hairpieces or jewelry with similar patterns.

Cosplay interpretation of Eternity by Nawalescape

Kaula's Eternity

Maintru fan, Idris Moore, runs the main "The Eternal Waves" fansite, Kaula's Eternity. While first a site based upon the titular character's relationship with her potential love interest Eternity, the site has expanded to include all facets of Day's world and is the premiere encyclopedia for fans both new and old, as well as a place to sell fan-made art and other merchandise.

Famous Wavers

• Lata Rockatan
• Yasmine Katie Elliot
• Charles Day