Chaxi

Sun Mother

The queen-goddess Chaxi is the primary deity of the Tan, often called the "Sun Mother". Chaxi represents the great nobility of the Tan, feminine sexuality, powerful female warriors, and great hunters of the grassland. Unlike many female goddesses Chaxi is not a god of fertility, as many outsiders assume, although pregnant women will hold rituals in her honor hoping to be blessed with strong, brave children.
Chaxi is most often depicted as a topless or fully naked tabaxi female emboldened by her sexuality. Her feline face is more lioness than most tabaxi women, representing the strength of her power. She is also depicted with a pride of female cats (either lions or cheetahs) at her feat as a representation of her head of the household and master of the hunt, even though lions are not generally viewed as religiously significant to the Tan. Upon her head rests a great solar disk, stylized as crown-like headdress, rumored to be a powerful artifact she received for rescuing the sun when it was trapped by Guayota.
Chaxi is considered the protector deity of the Tan, all kings appoint a Chaxamene, a female spiritual advisor that speaks on behalf of the Tan. It is argued that Chaxamene are the real power of the Tan and with kings serving as a figurehead, although a king may appoint a relation, sister or cousin Chaxamene, his wife and direct descendants are forbidden from holding the title. The Chaxamene also represent the heads of the Church of Chaxi, considered the true "Chosen of Chaxi". Only five Chaxamene exist at any time each overseeing a region of church doctrine and faith.
In creation myths of the Tan, the goddess Chaxi is said to have fought a the evil Guayota a powerful demonic creature that lived deep in a volcano. Guayota was a viscous and jealous demon lord that wanted to rule over the land but is harmed by the light of the sun. He was able to breed a group of fiendish death dogs that he unleashed upon the heavens and while they were kept busy Guayota managed to trap the sun in a dark crystal he then hid in his volcanic home. Chaxi a powerful tribal queen of the Tan did not retreat in fear, instead she sought the power of the lions leading them in an attack upon the death dogs. Though the lions were successful in defeating the death dogs and freeing the spirits above Guayota still held the sun captive. Chaxi pressed her attack navigating the volcanic mountain slaying numerous fiendish abominations brought forth by Guayota. Eventually Chaxi reached the central chamber of Guayota and defeated the demon sealing him in the underworld, she aided the great spirits above in returning the sun to the sky. In return for her valiant deeds she was gifted the radiance of the sun by the spirits above and welcomed among the heavens as the great protector of the Tan.

Divine Domains

Light, Order, War

Artifacts

There are three major artifacts attached to Chaxi, the first being her crescent axe, wielded like a battle-axe with the blade head connected both at the top and bottom to a long stave. This weapon simply named "Queen's Ferocity" is said to burn like the sun creating a large field of light wherever it is swung and a bane to fiends. Over generations the weapon has been wielded by a number of Tan's greatest female warriors but was lost during the previous "Drought Hunt" in the (Great Mountain).

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The most prominent symbol of Chaxi is a stylized sun centered within a stylized female body, arms wide hands pointing towards the sky. This icon is etched upon her temples and shrines usually at the base or centered upon the armor and shields of her warrior-priests. Feminine feline statues often with a bare chest marked with a sun over the belly, often with a solar disk upon its head, always with hands raised. Some depictions show Chaxi upon a chariot pulled by massive felines used primarily among nobility or placed in buildings connected to royalty. Many of her worshippers will carry small wooden or clay idols depicting Chaxi sitting legs crossed with the arms upraised and an exaggerated feline face.

Tenets of Faith

1. Protect the Tan people and keep them safe from evil. The Tan have been the hunters of the "Great Grassland" for generations and must be protected from those who bring it harm. Do not allow your sisters or brothers to be forced into bondage but allow them to serve others with peace and respect. 
2. Fight against the evils of Guayota, his minions, and monstrosities. Kill any dark fiend that attempts to bring harm or force others into darkness. Do not serve evil or aid those who willingly serve Guayota or his machinations. Aid any who work to secure the prison of Guayota and if the demon lord is freed work to bind him at all cost.  
3. Bring light to any in need even if they are not your kin or brethren. All peoples deserve to know the radiance of the sun and be risen into its light. Fight against the darkness and its vile minions, those who prey upon the weak in the shadows should be hunted and destroyed. Live in open honesty and work to build trust among your allies.
4. Respect the authority of those who rule. Order is built upon the foundations of respect and dignity. Do not allow those who are corrupt to bring harm but work within structures of authority to root them out. Trust among and within the community must be upheld so that each family can raise a healthy litter. Cherish the bonds of motherhood and never disparage the leaders of a household unless they knowingly bring harm to their offspring. 
5. Honor the hunt and those who fall during it. Do not kill with wanton disregard, give respect to any creature you hunt, and let your kills be a mercy. Honor the fallen both those on the battlefield and that serve by you during the life's great hunt. Do not allow yourself to be driven by a bestial nature but recognize the power of personal sexuality to inspire confidence in those you serve.

Divine Classification

Tan Goddess of the Sun

Ethnicity

Tan

Sex

Female

Eyes

Split pupil green-yellow in color

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Auburn colored fur with light black spots