Surf-Runners
Surf-runners are the scout class of the Mariel. Much like the Wave Knights, they serve their city-state as a part of the defense force, focusing on scouting and spying. Surf-runners also run the network that brings young Mariel on the verge of transformation to a safe shore, and ensures their return five years later.
They are lightly armed, often with little more than a bone dagger, and rely more on stealth and speed than anything else. The Surf-runner’s elementalism is honed toward a minor form of illusion, allowing them to camouflage themselves in the water. They also have some binding techniques which allow them to incapacitate their opponent and escape. Armor is usually unnecessary, and they prefer to avoid flashy clothing or adornments—at least when on the job.
Young Mariel consider their career path early into their teenage years, and are expected to make a decision no later than their fifteenth year so that they may began training before the transformation of their twentieth year. Surf-runners endure intense and focused training from thirteen to fifteen years of age until nineteen, at which point they graduate into fully-fledged Surf-runners before their transformation.
