Balaam

Balam was born in a small indigenous community surrounded by forests and fertile lands. His name, which means "jaguar" in some Mayan languages, was given to him by his grandfather because, from a young age, he was observant, quiet, and a quick learner. Before the arrival of the Spanish, he spent his days helping with farming, learning stories from the elders, and exploring the surrounding area with his younger sister.

His father was a respected craftsman who made tools and ornaments to trade with other villages, while his mother knew medicinal plants and helped those who were sick. Balam grew up listening to stories about nature spirits, the stars, and the importance of protecting the community.

Everything changed when the Spanish arrived.

At first, his people didn't understand who these people were or why they demanded food, gold, and obedience. Over time, conflicts, diseases, and coercion began. Several families were separated, and many inhabitants were forced to work under harsh conditions. Balam's father died of exhaustion and illness after months of forced labor, and his mother was left in charge of the family until she disappeared during a group's relocation to another area; no one ever saw her again.

From then on, Balam changed. He became more reserved and distrustful, especially towards the Spaniards, although he also learned to observe them carefully: how they spoke, what they feared, and what rules they followed. That helped him survive.

Even so, he never completely lost sight of who he was. Secretly, he tries to help other workers: he shares food when he can, teaches them routes to avoid punishment, and listens to the elders' stories so that traditions aren't lost. Although he seems tough on the outside, he still carries the memory of his family and the hope that one day his people can live with less fear.

His greatest inner conflict is this: part of him wants to resist and protect his loved ones, but another part fears losing the few people he still cares about. That's why he usually acts cautiously, even when he seems impulsive.

Balam's tastes -The sound of the rivers and the forest at dawn. -Listen to old stories from the elders of the community. -Carving wood or repairing simple tools (he learned it from his father). -Observe animals, especially felines and birds. -Eat foods that remind you of your childhood and your family. -The gentle rain after hot days. -The quiet nights where you can look at the stars. -Helping others in secret, even if you don't readily admit it. -People who are patient and listen before speaking. -The small moments of calm away from the soldiers and the noise.

Balam's Dislikes -Injustices and seeing people abuse others. -Shouted orders or an authoritarian tone. -The loud and constant noise of forced labor. -When someone treats others as if they were less important. -Feeling trapped or without control over what is happening. -Betrayal or unnecessary lies. -Waste of food or resources. -Places that are too enclosed or closely monitored. -Arrogant people or those who underestimate others. -Remembering certain places or songs that make him think of his lost family.

ISTP

Learn by observing. Act quickly in difficult situations. He speaks little and prefers to demonstrate things with actions. Well, by improvising solutions or escaping from problems. He doesn't trust easily and can seem intimidating.

Strengths: resilient, intelligent, protective, patient, perceptive. Weaknesses: distrustful, keeps his emotions to himself, can isolate himself, finds it difficult to ask for help. Fears: losing more loved ones, forgetting who they were before, their culture disappearing. Ways to show affection or trust: sharing food, helping without saying so, staying close to someone in silence, teaching important things.

His skin is brown, somewhat tanned from the constant sun, with small marks and scratches on his hands and arms from hard work.

Her dark brown, medium-length, and messy hair falls somewhat unruly around her face. Sometimes it covers part of her forehead or her eyes when she looks down at work. She doesn't usually bother to style it, so it's generally disheveled, with strands slightly tangled by the wind, dust, and daily exertion. Occasionally, she pushes it back with her hand or ties it up haphazardly so it doesn't bother her.

She has deep, dark brown, attentive eyes, the kind that seem to observe everything before acting. Her gaze is often serious or distrustful, especially with strangers, though when she relaxes she can appear calmer and even curious. They are eyes that reflect weariness, but also determination.

His face has soft but defined features: a discreet jawline, somewhat thick eyebrows, and a generally serious expression. He doesn't smile easily, and when he does, it's usually small and brief, almost as if he's not used to it.

He might be thin but strong, with muscles defined more by daily physical labor than by training. His posture is usually a little tense, like someone used to being constantly alert.

In terms of clothing, he would probably wear simple, worn-out garments, adapted to forced labor and the climate, although he might keep some small but important detail from his past (such as an amulet, a woven bracelet, or something that belonged to his family).