>>>Art featuring Suzaku here<<<

Character info:
Name: Suzaku
Species: King Cheetah
Male/He/Him
Weight: 155lbs
Age: 29
Sexuality: Asexual/Aromantic
Status: Ronin
"Profession": Mercenary
Obsession: Japanese LoFi and meditative flows

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Abilities/Strengths:
Pyromancy
Coating sword in fire
Tail Meteor Strike
Fire Claws
Environmental fire manipulation
-only with fires within a relatively close range
Impressive agility and elusiveness
-offensively contributes to expert quick strike capability with a high degree of sharpness/accuracy
-defensively combined with the ability to contort body at rapid pace allows for skillful dodging and quick recovery
Incredible acceleration
-Can go from calm and at rest to sprinting with sword drawn in a split second
Slightly above-average hand-to-hand combat capabilities
Leaping abilities allows for jumping to staggering heights with precision landing to compliment
Sharp hearing at relatively long-range
Composure in combat
New abilities/techniques to be discovered with time and further training
Note: All pyro abilities are highly stamina taxing
-even drains his large stamina reserves rather quickly so often uses them in short spurts, if at all

Weaknesses:
Cryomancy defensively
Opponents specializing in high strength/brute-force attacks
(Will further define these and add more later)

Weapon(s):
Crimson Dragon Scale Katana
-not made from actual dragon scales
-Golden dragon engraving glows when unsheathed
---Remains "dormant" when sheathed
-As stated above Suzaku can coat the sword in fire which gives increased penetration to MOST types of armor
---at the cost of massive stamina drain
(New weapons may be introduced with time to further diversify fighting style)

Fighting style:
Suzaku's fighting style relies heavily on graceful, sharp, precise, calculated movements and strikes. A formidable fighter that's able to blend his impressive speed and agility with precision strikes. He doesn't fear death and is able to remain relatively calm even in difficult to near-impossible engagements. The trade-off of this combo of expert precision and speed is a lack of raw strength. Not to say he's outright weak or fragile, rather is usually at a disadvantage against most opponents in terms of raw power and strength. Because of this he primarily fights with his Crimson Dragon Scale Katana, but will use his slightly above-average hand-to-hand capabilities if the situation proves advantageous. Has above-average to good stealth skills and will rely on stealth over direct contact if the situation allows. He can still become aggressive and shift to a more brute-force style of fighting, but given he doesn't excel in strength, this is extremely rare. Lastly, Suzaku absolutely will not fight unless forcefully provoked, a contract requires it, or out of necessity. Wellllll with the slight exception of fighting Dex, but that's more of an oddity spurred on by friction when they're around each other. Even then, neither will use the full extent of their abilities nor any weapons/pyro.

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Likes: Lofi, Seclusion, Seafood, Sword sparring, Training, Meditating(sometimes for incredibly long periods), Waterfalls, Avians, Forests, Traveling, Watching distant thunderstorms, Making wisecracks about Dexter's short mane, Hot tubs/springs, Difficult situations

Dislikes: Revenge, Holding grudges, Cold temperatures, Being called Suz-y or Su, Large crowds for extended periods, Unannounced visitors near his home, Mistreatment of animals, Playing with his tail, Fighting alongside big groups (prefers no more than 3 others)

Personality: Generally stoic, even in combat or on contracts but can be aggressive when the situation warrants. Quite hardworking and determined. Introverted and somewhat reclusive, but can engage in social activities in light doses on occasion. Can be quite quirky due to his introverted nature, having lived alone for so long and is generally not as aware of social norms. But quirks and awkwardness don't bother him as he's dismissive of other's opinions about him. Asexual with no interest in relationships. Albeit oblivious to any advances and will most likely respond in a quirky manner or indicating advances are eluding him.

Suzaku slightly leans towards the good side of neutral, but isn't incapable of crossing the line in the other direction if he feels the need. Has a strong preference to take on assignments solo but will on rare occasions be open to fighting alongside others, or traveling with others depending on his mood or if a contract requires it. Though a group of 4 is about the max he's willing to work with. Spends a majority of his free time when not on assignments either engaging in intensive training or meditating for hours to sometimes days while listening to Lofi... sometimes in odd places. If not outright meditating, usually deep in thought. Lives in a secluded house hidden deep in a bamboo forest, that blends into the natural world quite well. Suzaku will most likely be rather grumpy towards others who wanders/intrudes into his home area unannounced. But won't become outright hostile unless threatened. Is generally respectful towards passers-by but can become grumpy towards others that try to interact with him too much. While preferring to stay near home, does occasionally like to travel long distances to explore distant foreign lands without any true destination.

Due to the personality differences, there tends to be quite a bit of friction between Suzaku and Dexter during the not-so-frequent occasions they've fought alongside each other, sparred, or happened to be in the same area. Suzaku will outwardly say he doesn't like Dexter, which there is a bit of truth. However Dexter is at times somewhat skeptical, not that Dex minds. Suzaku does secretly admire his fighting style and is willing to put up with their differences to accomplish a shared goal. All of this leads to some... "interesting" encounters/escapades.

Unofficial Theme-ish song: [Sasori] by Eastern Sage
(Emphasis on unofficial, just find this song conveys his theme really well. Likely will commission a song at some point though(and no he wasn't inspired nor influenced by Sasori at all :P))

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Body Build:
Lean with a decent amount of muscle, focusing more on speed, agility and elusiveness over raw strength.

Clothing/Attire:
-Always has his Vermillion Crescent Necklace
-Most commonly found shirtless, wearing black samurai pants with red belt
-Battle dress only for especially dangerous/challenging assignments
-Occasionally can be found meditating or just wandering around his home area completely naked... for no reason in particular

Other design notes:
Tail slightly thicker than usual cheetah's
Reddish highlights along his mane stops midway down his back, resuming midway down his tail.
Most (not all) spots have reddish splotches. Reddish combo pattern stops at his mid thighs with solid black spots below

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Background Lore/Origins: (Mostly basics for now. Will expand a LOT more later)
Suzaku remembers next to nothing of his early childhood, other than vague memories of tremendous fire from an attack that destroyed his home village. Ultimately leaving him orphaned at the age of 5. The fate of his parents, as well as if anyone from his village survived is unknown. Same with the attacker's identity and their reasons for committing such a ruthless act. For a few days after, he wandered the surrounding lands directionless, confused, and scared. Carrying little more than the tattered clothes on him and a vermillion crescent necklace he scooped up during his frantic escape. The necklace's meaning and origins are also very much unknown, but given it's all he has from his childhood home, he keeps it close well into his latter years. Fortunately, the few days of helpless wandering ends as an old farmer discovers Su along his journey to the region's capital. After connecting the village's smoldering ruins in the distance to the young unkempt chee, the kind farmer graciously takes a day to care for Suzaku. Feeding him, fabricating some temporary clothing out of his spare set to replace Su's tattered clothes, and tending to some minor cuts. All the while comforting him, asking some questions to try and get some information on what happened but to no avail. At least other than his own name and age.

Soon the farmer continues towards the capital city with Suzaku tagging along. He had some intention of being a father-like figure and raising Su, especially given the two began to form somewhat of a bond during the trek. But once reaching his destination, decided it would be better for Su's development to have a stable home. Thankfully, the head of the city's samurai academy was willing to adopt him after a visit that led to a lengthy discussion. Or at least thankful for what he initially considered to be good fortune. Beginning to feel some uncertainty and second-guessing himself as Suzaku clung to his leg while he explained this would be his new home. A clear sign of reluctance that made the farmer feel bad. Especially after he'd already been thrust from his home at such a young age with no signs of a family. The farmer didn't have any bad feelings about the academy's leader, the academy itself, or the way of the samurai. In fact, he had a great respect for them. Rather he felt unsure, knowing that his decision to take him here was setting Suzaku's life path for him. A thought that left him with immense internal conflict on whether he had the right to make such a decision. But ultimately felt it was still a better option than trying to raise Su within his nomadic and quite unstable lifestyle. With a final goodbye, the farmer left to a fate unknown, and for Suzaku, a life course redefined. For now at least...

At the age of 8, Suzaku officially began his training. Although a growing enthusiasm and curiosity watching students much older than him, had him engaging in some light activities a year earlier. The training was intensive, and in many ways he excelled above his peers in numerous aspects. While lagging in few others. Even discovering his abilities in the realms of pyromancy. Although since any use of elemental manipulation was strictly forbidden at the academy, these abilities remained suppressed. One would consider his development impressive, with rough patches here and there. The latter very much expected and nothing that hindered his growth. However, at the age of 14, friction began to develop between Suzaku and his peers, teachers, training methods, and taught philosophies. Partially amplified by his strengthening introverted tendencies, but even more so by the desire to do things his own way. Friction that grew further as he spent more and more time away exploring the countryside solo. Ultimately adding even more pressure to the cracks that were forming in the bonds of his upbringing. Reaching a breaking point at the age of 15 during the final stages of his training.

No big event, no drastic confrontation, no fate-defining fight. One sleepless calm night, in the midst of deep turbulent thoughts and uncertainty, Suzaku rose from his bed with the moon gleaming high in the starry night sky. Grabbing his necklace, his then sword, and some light armor, he heads out into the city without a word. Surroundings soon morphing from the dense collection of urban structures to the more spaced-out single homes of the city's outskirts. Fading to sparse settlements with considerable distances between as he heads off into the country-side. Towards the greater unknown in both direction and life purpose.

For the next bunch of years, Suzaku pursues a more secluded warrior's path. Growing immensely in his skills as he puts himself through a range of rigorous training, pushing his limits, harsh lessons learned from failure, and a few near-death experiences. For a short while in the beginning, leaning quite heavily on what brute-force and overwhelming offense he could muster. Then reaching new heights and gaining better control as he allows his fighting style to evolve into one focused heavily on a complex mix of speed, grace, and precision. Even going through a lengthy phase developing his pyro abilities to mesh with his fighting style... Although not quite proud to admit he burned down his own self-built home several times in the process by accident, much to his annoyance. All the while continuing to travel. Exploring foreign lands and developing a strong attraction to meditation and LoFi music. The latter two seeming to merge in a perfect harmony for him that would only become more important as time passes.

At the age of 20, Suzaku first steps into the realm of mercenary work. Taking the occasional contract between travels or meditation sessions with his music. Not every contract goes smoothly for him over the years, especially in the beginning. Getting into some pretty precarious situations, but this seems to draw him more towards the lifestyle. Let alone furthering his growth and evolution. Peaking at around the age of 25 when he was pretty much a full-time mercenary. And while the vast majority of these endeavors were solo, a few of them were accomplished alongside other warriors. But once done, letting his introverted tendencies take over. Seeking to distance rather than establish any bonds. Even if he did enjoy whatever outing with another.

Suzaku's mercenary lifestyle hits a wall at the age of 27. Finding it difficult to stay focused or fight effectively as he descends into a multi-month's long deep depression. Stemming from the collision between his lack of purpose, emptiness, and a long-growing inner conflict over his origins. Curious about his lineage and those who seemingly ripped all of it away from him. One might think pursuing this unknown would be a logical fit for his purpose and emptiness. To connect to a long-lost past. To strike back at those responsible and “right a wrong.” But despite the adrenaline such prospects bring him and the hope of finding some satisfaction, Suzaku is unable to embark on such a path. Prevented by his long-developed strong dislike for revenge and holding grudges. Combined with a desire to grow in wisdom towards the future, rather than be influenced by destructive circumstances of the past. It takes him a while to truly embrace the latter, but by the age of 28, he's finally able to close the door to the unknown void of his past. Allowing himself to shed the heavy anchor that's weighed on him for so long. The lack of true purpose persists, but he knows figuring out something like that will be a long process. Able to assuage the resulting bouts of inner turmoil with increasingly long periods of deep meditation. Healed by the calming flows that LoFi music brings him.

Now at the age of 29, Suzaku has resumed taking contracts as a mercenary mixed in with more travels to far-off lands both familiar and unknown. There are some inner conflicts about various aspects of the world around him and his own life that will occasionally make him pause. But he's usually able to overcome them given some time. He continues to advance his skills with more training and pushing limits as well. But above all else, continues to seek wisdom and gain new perspectives on life as he searches for meaning. Moving forward to see what future paths have to teach him...

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A million thanks to  Shamerli for the incredible job bringing the new boyo to life! Also at [@ShamerliArt] and 🟦☁️ [shamerli@Bsky]
Suzaku belongs to me  DexterLion! Also on Twitter [@DexChillViber] and Bluesky [DexChillViber@Bsky]