Flame Stitched "Stitch"

## Background

Stitch was born in the village of Itzocan to parents Night Sky "Sky" and Flickering Flame "Flame". Following Tabaxi customs, Stitch spent his youth shadowing his Father in his job as the leader of the Huehuetlan Guard. Growing up in the temple proved to be good for Stitch. He divided his time most days between meditating and praying to his ancestors with his best friend Raging River "River" in the main temple chamber and training to fight with various members of the guard. After learning to master the rage inside of himself through meditation, Stitch became a fierce warrior, second only to his father.

Normally, Tabaxi aren't concerned with age. The God-Mother Maztica blesses them with life and takes it away when she pleases; each day is a gift whether one is blessed with 3 or 30,000. It is only mentioned here because Stitch shares a birthday with the youngest person in his clan, and on his 26th birthday, she turned 5. It had been half a decade since the Tabaxi had heard the cry of a newborn baby.

The village elders held a meeting that day to determine what, if anything, could be done about the barren emptiness that plagued their village and caused immense turmoil for the clan. A small minority of them feared that it was punishment for the numerous sins of their past. A few others believe it to be a test of their faith and devotion to their gods. It was ultimately decided that pleasing Kiltzi, the Maztican goddess of fertility and health, was the best course of action.

As the leader of the Huehuetlan Guard, it fell on Flame's shoulders to facilitate the acceleration of prayers and offerings to Kiltzi. It was decided that securing The Eye of Kiltzi, a large opal thought to once belong to her that had been stolen from the temple decades ago, was the best way to secure her blessing. Stitch was not ready to assume command of the guard, but he was definitely strong enough to venture out into the world in search of the long lost relic. Without question, Stitch was honored to gladly take on the task. After long tearful goodbyes with his friends and family, he set out for Ska-Kaerii and secured passage to Beren in search of gem.

## Characteristics

Stitch is a large, orange and black striped Tabaxi Ancestral Guardian Barbarian. He has a solid, huge muscular frame, yet is quick and nimble. He has a tendency to be soft-spoken but very clearly only as a courtesy due to most people being unfamiliar with and intimidated by Tabaxi.

Personality Traits: He can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. His father taught him that peaceful resolution is always the best course of action.He is tolerant of other faiths and respects the worship of other gods.

Ideal: Charity. He always tries to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost.

Bond: His clan. If you don't have the legacy of family lineage, what do you even have at all?

Flaw: He puts too much trust in those who wield power within his temple's hierarchy.

## Name

Tabaxi names are determined by the clan and based on a complex formula which involves astrology, prophecy, clan history, significant natural events, appearance, and other esoteric factors. Their names are usually gender-nuetral and most of them use nicknames which are derived from or inspired by their full names. Stitch was given the name "Flame Stitched" due to the striking orange and black stripes that intertwine and cover is body.

## Abilities

### Rage

As a child, Stitch learned to enter a meditative trance to harness and focus his inner rage to be used in battle.

### Feline Agility

Using the natural grace and athleticism native to him as a Tabaxi, Stitch is able to move quite quickly on the battlefield.

### Ancestral Guardians

Stitch's dedication to mastering himself through meditation has allowed him to reach out to those who share his genetic make up as well. He can commune with his fallen ancestors and even summon them in battle to protect those around him.

### Spirit Shield

The link with his ancestors in battle has become so strong that he can empower them to interact with the physical world and decrease incoming damage to his allies.

### Sentinel

Due to growing up and training with the Huehuetlan Guard, Stitch has learned to be vigilant and actively protect those around him. Attacks made to allies near him will naturally trigger protective instincts that are channeled into attacks against the assailants.