Kuma

> Every era puts invisible shackles on those who have lived through it, and I can only dance in my chains.
>
> Liu Cixin, The Three-Body Problem

> A person leaves a reputation, as a swallow leaves its call.
>
> Chinese proverb, 32nd chapter of Legend of Heroes 《儿女英雄传》

## **Biography**

Kuma’s earliest memories were that of constant struggles, doing everything and anything to survive another day. Following the current, they joined one of the bandit gangs ruling the region, serving as their scout and infiltrator. Kuma drifted along in this violent world, turning a blind eye to its pain and suffering just like everyone else, holding no hope for the future nor a desire of their own. It was when the rogue felt like drowning that light appeared.

It was a group of adventurers unlike any other. With eyes glowing with hope, they took firm steps toward changing the world. Kuma fought against them and lost, was spared, and then became their comrade in arms. When Nung Fu became the emperor and their group split up, some decided to stay while others chose to leave. Kuma went with the second group, as they were much needed there. Their group came to Xiaojiang and the Yuxue Alliance was created. Kuma became Wang Leixi’s right hand and her close advisor.

The Alliance grew in both scale and power, soon becoming a powerful force in the region. Kuma sensed the ambitious gazes aimed at Xiaojiang, already too used to dealing with this kind of greed. The rogue became a double agent, keeping an eye on the many forces eyeing their group. When Wang Ciuxin told them to plant false evidence in the council offices, Kuma quickly brought it up to the Four. After that, something happened…

“We leave the alliance in your hand. Farewell… and sorry.”

Kuma stood there for a long time. The Four left for the capital and would never return.

The rogue came back only when the sun had set. Soon enough, they would become the new Head of Yuxue Alliance, and there were many things to do…

*Why were the Four still executed when they had received a warning? What exactly happened during their conversation? What is their aim when passing the Alliance to the council?*

*Adventurer, that mystery is for you to unravel.*

## **Personality**

* Devious and cunning. A well-intentioned trickster.

#### **Flaws**

* Paranoid overthinker, dangerously idealistic.

#### **Strengths**

* A clever spontaneous planner; perceptive, keen investigator.

## **Bonds**

* Is aware of Calico’s hostility towards them.
* Is wary of Aira, that one gives them odd feelings. Kuma suspects Aira of being an imposter.
* Strives for Govasana’s forgiveness for their betrayal. When they left the capital, Kuma promised that they would share the Four’s burden. The many signs of their betrayal didn’t sit well with the druid.
* Feels guilty toward Baihu for tricking her.
* Notices and appreciates Pipi’s effort in keeping the town lively.
* Wary of Kapi, feels that she’s acting a bit unusual. That said, doesn’t doubt that she’s still on their side.
* Wary of every other councillor, even if they were old friends.
* Harbours great hatred toward Wang Ciuxin but on the surface, they still act like her loyal lap dog.

## **Secrets**

* Has a light case of insomnia.
* To help relieve their stress, once in a while Kuma would visit the bamboo forest. After finding a safe place where no one else can find them, the rogue would sleep for an entire day before coming back.
* Tortures themself with the fact that they couldn’t save the Four.

## **Quirks and mannerisms**

* Non-binary / genderfluid – tends to mainly be feminine-presenting and prefers she/her pronouns, and (less often) will be masculine-presenting with he/him. Only one pronoun is used at a time, dependent on gender presentation.
* Will switch between wearing male and female clothing, as well as using male or female pronouns to indicate how she wants to be referred to as during an interaction.