According to myth Ngai, known by their family name, was a solemn and solitary ex-fisher who remained single-mindedly focused on their goal despite the doomed nature of their enterprise. They carried conflicting emotions of wanting to carry through with their goal of protecting their village but knowing that when they accomplished this their lease on life would run out. Rather than succumbing to despair, they were bitterly amused by this. They were a person of few words and the ones they did share were often biting observations, so they never had many close friends. Because of this, they were a patient, loyal, and dutiful person, doing what has to be done even if no one thanks them for it. They did what they say they'd do and were disappointed by those who don't similarly follow through.

Ngai tied their coarse hair into numerous bunches that flopped about wildly when they made sudden movements. They're usually depicted wearing decorative orange coral to symbolize their connection with Oreish, the coral prince.

The hero of a Sa'an epic, Ngai was a filial soul who lived in the small fishing village of Sa'amseoi, raised by their aunt and uncle. They did various odd jobs around the village and gained a reputation for strength and competence. One day, pirates raided the town and killed many. Ngai chased them in a small wooden boat determined to chase them away, but the sea god Oreish rose from the deeps. Oreish, god of the underworld, was an unpredictable threat to any coast-dweller. A lonely child, he would drag sailors down to his coral palace to keep him company. Oreish reahed for the pirate locked in combat with Ngai and dragged them both down. As they were drowning, Ngai promised Oreish that they would return to his side and stay with him forever if only he allowed Ngai to ensure no pirates would ever again attack their loved ones. Oreish agreed with the childish innocence of an unknowing killer and gave Ngai various boons to make sure they wouldn't die before they returned to him. There began Ngai's quest to rid the region of pirates and rescue their kidnapped younger cousin.

Ngai's prowess with a spear was legendary. They could spear a man as easily as a fish and flick the body aside effortlessly. Thanks to their patron, coral grew out of the ground to defend them when they were in a pinch. However, they never relied on anything but their own efforts, not trusting that anything else would truly be there if they needed it.