Long Swim

Long Swim is an important part of the Rokea life-cycle. It represents their journey on the way to find out about themselves and their species.

Overview
Rokea don't tend to have the traumatic first change of other shapeshifters. Instead, when the Rokea reaches sexual maturity (two to three years in most breeds), they become self-aware and become capable of using the Sending.

They typically send out questing impulses until another Rokea, a remora, or a Rorqual finds them. Given the vastness of the ocean, this can take a great deal of time, depending on when and where the Rokea began her Long Swim. Most Rokea don't change shape until their Long Swim is over and another wereshark can teach them. However, if the Long Swim ismarred by an attack from an enemy, the young Rokea might well change instinctively to Chasmus.

When the Long Swim ends, the Rokea is taken to a Grotto, where she swims into Sea's Soul and meets with Kun and Sea. There she learns about her auspice, is taught gifts, and so forth. When she emerges, she knows enough about Rokean society to continue on her own.