Tulìpey was born to a reef Na'vi father who gave up his wandering life to raise them after their mother died in childbirth. Their hybrid appearance and difficulty adapting to the Way of Water made them a target of prejudice, but grew into a skilled warrior and hunter. His unconventional methods are difficult for others to learn, so they often work alone despite the advantages their approach shows. They possess exceptional leg strength and endurance on land but struggle underwater, becoming overstimulated and prone to breathing mistakes. Their androgynous appearance leaves many uncertain of their gender, though he is unconcerned by how others refer to them. Unknown, they are intersex and sterile. Though distant & distrustful, those who earn their trust find a gentle, kind Na'vi who loves to dance.

Kuru'wä, the youngest son of his tribe's Olo'eyktan, spent his youth avoiding responsibility, content to let his older brother handle leadership duties. Frustrated by his lack of discipline, his father arranged a sparring match between him and Tulìpey, a talented apprentice of the same age. Kuru'wä initially dismissed the hybrid outsider, but after losing to them, he became obsessed with proving himself superior. Their rivalry defined much of their adolescence. Kuru'wä frequently antagonized and sabotaged Tulìpey, at times putting them in real danger, though over the years their hostility gradually evolved into a more playful competition. While he stopped physically harming them, his sharp tongue and stubborn pride continued to cause friction. As young warriors, the two were assigned to a patrol led by Tulìpey, who had earned their warrior status first. Resentful of taking orders from them, Kuru'wä ignored instructions, causing the patrol to split and resulting in an akula attack. Tulìpey drew the predator away from the group but became stranded without a skimwing. Kuru'wä intervened to save them, nearly losing his life in the process and receiving the facial scar he bears today. Tulìpey's furious reaction shocked him. Rather than blame him alone, they blamed themselves for failing to protect him. When the tribe began questioning Tulìpey's abilities because of the incident, Kuru'wä was consumed by guilt, knowing his disobedience had caused the disaster. Their rivalry faded afterward as Tulìpey withdrew from teamwork and focused on rebuilding their reputation.