Mexica Sunrise : An Aztec AAR

[_Tristan_]

THE CAST OF CHARACTERS

Let me first introduce our Lords and Governors...

MOCTEZUMA, "The Wrathful Lord", Uey-Tlatoani of the Mexica-Azteca Nation

In 1521



It is now ten years that we live under the benevolent rule of Moctezuma, true to his name only on the battlefield... Following the Hard Times, he has put great effort in reconquering the cities that had rebelled from our rule, due to the slackening of our power... now the empire stands almost as great as it once was and only a few town remain rebellious and will soon be brought back in the fold...


In 1525



Faced with the threat of the Texcalan and the incursion of the Spaniards in our lands, Moctezuma has taken some steps both towards our people and the foreigners that make him a merciless leader. His regular meetings with some disreputable members of our society do nothing to alleviate this reputation. Of late, one new advisor is always standing around our Lord, saying nothing, doing nothing but seemingly never losing a word of what is said.

In 1530



Through his developing of our quimichime network of spies, Moctezuma is sometimes called the Watcher. Not a single event on our lands and abroad happens without him knowing of it almost instantly, or at least as fast as our swift-runners can reach him.
His wrathful temper is now the stuff of legend as the Texcalan can bear witness. It is to their honor (however few as they may have) that they still stand defiant.



Prince CUITLAHUAC, "Speaker of Filth", Heir to the throne

In 1521



Brother to our Leader and ever jealous of his power, this man cannot be trusted as far as he can be seen... Many schemes to attent to Moctezuma's life should have been traced to this man, if the would-be assassins had not taken their lives before interrogation... Perhaps, he will mend his ways with time... Hopefully he is as hateful of our enemies as he is of his brother...


In 1525



Away from the court and its intrigues, and with the will to demonstrate to his brother how better than him he is, Cuitlahuac has become a fearsome warrior. It seems that the wrath that lives in him has been turned to our enemies, but he is still as jealous of Moctezuma as before.

In 1530



Cuitlahuac’s mind is still poisoned by the jealousy he feels for his brother. He has been heard to curse the Gods for having him be born two years later than Moctezuma.


War Leader CUAUHTEMOC, "Swooping Eagle"



Cuitlahuac' son, is a fine counterpoint to his father. Having been raised at court, he considers Moctezuma, more his true father than his uncle... He shows great promise for such a young man as War Leader... Only time will tell...

In 1525



True to the promise that was seen in him, Cuauhtemoc defeated the Texcalans laying siege to Tenochtitlan, gaining some scars in the battle and ingratiating himself to our Lord.

In 1530



Well aware of the tension between his father and uncle, Cuauhtemoc has seen fit to stand apart from their quarrels. Some say that he is too much reserved and should speak his mind…


War Leader CHIMALPAHIN, "Medicine Shield", adopted in 1523 by Moctezuma,



Chosen by Moctezuma to spite the Speaking Council that was looking to have him adopt one of their numbers, he proved to be an asset in organizing Tenochtitlan during the siege that hoefully didn’t last due to Cuauhtemoc’s intervention. The steps he had to take during that siege have him seen as a mean leader by the townsfolk.

In 1530



His adoption in our Emperor’s family has brought out the worse in that man, who lets his life be rules by his extravagant tastes. Sensing the change and angry with himself to have been fooled by this man, Moctezuma has banished him from Tenochtitlan and given the task of developing the backwater and border region of Tolocan, much to his regret.


War Leader AMACUI-XOLOTL, "Paper-Bird", adopted in 1524 by Cuauhtemoc



Adopted for having forced the siege of Tenochtitlan to warn his future adoptive father of that Texcalan attack, he then proved a worthy general.

In 1530



Since his adoption by Cuauhtemoc, Xolotl has always been seen around Moctezuma, playing counterpoint to our Lord harshness and being seen as someone easy to talk to. It even seems like he has begun to change our Lord’s temper, making him see the limits between being harsh and being unfair, and helping him distinguish between friends and foes.


War Leader XILOTZIN, "Lord Maize", adopted in 1525 by Moctezuma



He has proven his worth in battle fighting alongside our Prince near Cholollan. He came highly recommended by the Prince. Our Emperor was no fool in considering that he might be a spy for Cuitlahuac but thought that it would be a gesture that would please his brother and end the brotherly feud. He is known for having multiple affairs with married and unmarried women, and some say men even.

In 1530



Little by little, this man is showing his true nature. He is heard more and more grumbling about his lot in life, all the while spending the riches his ancestors struggled to make theirs, and only to afford his extravagant tastes in jewels and attire.


War Leader ITZQUEMITL, "Obsidian Cloak", adopted in 1525 by Moctezuma



The bravery and cunning this man has shown in ridding the Tochpan countryside of its bandit plague did not go unnoticed by Moctezuma who saw in him a man of valour.

In 1530



Although still young, this man has almost seen as much action as some of our cuachique veterans and bears the scars to prove it. Something tells me that should he live long, he will be one of the greatest generals to serve our Uey-Tlatoani.


War Leader TOCHTLI, “Rabbit”, adopted in 1526 by Moctezuma



Already a veteran of many campaign with our Lord before his adoption, Tochtli, giving the lie to his fluffy namesake, is not kind and gentle and is not to be fooled with, whether on a field of battle or in everyday life. His only weakness resides in the tlachtli ball game, of which he can be considered an addict, betting large sums of money on the outcome of games. Until now, luck is with him (or might it be that his fellow players know better than to have him lose ?)