water walking

The Dancinglight's Dome is the most spectacular work of water manipulation, but throughout history the sight of a Water Seeker walking across the ocean with no boat of any kind has been far more common. Water walking is responsible for the awe that Cluster Islanders once had for the Seekers. They had a reputation for arriving in the wake of disaster, often saving endangered lives or intervening in violence. The sight of a cluster of figures approaching from over the water meant hope and relief from suffering.
Kezlaf's destruction of the Old Eddy put an end to the old Water Seekers for a quarter century, and their knowledge of water manipulation was lost. As more new Seekers are relearning the skill of standing on nothing but water, they may once again be seen walking the ocean around the islands.

Effect

To walk in the ocean, a Seeker raises a column of water under her feet. Water at the top of the column spreads out, descending around the outside and then rejoining the column at the base. The column also moves forward, so that the Seeker remains centered in it with each step.

Side/Secondary Effects

Walking over the ocean is not as fatiguing as creating a water structure. Upwellings are a natural feature easy to replicate on a small scale. The reduced effort means that a lone walker can travel long distances before worrying about dehydration. Traveling in groups is even more efficient, as water workers can take turns maintaining the circulation. They can cover more distance faster if one worker concentrates on the water cushion while others push it forward.

Discovery

The origin of water walking is impossible to pin to a specific date. 5808 Oce is the earliest reliable record of a Water Seeker visiting a mother ship. The Tiderider legend of Tiamou's Voyage suggests that Yadi walked from a disabled boat to an atoll sometime before 500 Oce, but its accuracy is as suspect as any other legend from early in the Oceanic Era.

Material Components

All the Seekers who can walk the ocean say that raising the water is the easy part--learning to balance in it is next to impossible. Protos start by learning sailwalking. Once they are comfortable keeping upright on canvas spread over water, they progress to standing in an upwelling using oars for balance.

Gestures & Ritual

Water walking is a prime example of why it is important for workers and handlers to be able to move water without using gestures. Even the most experienced need to use their arms for stability.

Applied Restriction

Water walking can be performed by workers and handlers, but not tuners. The walker must be able to circulate a quantity of water at least as broad as her stride. Handlers can support themselves, but only workers can support a team of Water Seekers.