Xīpe Totēc

Few Gods are older than Xīpe Totēc, and fewer still wield his power. The eldest of the Tezcatlipocas, he stood in the primordial waters of creation at the dawn of time holds dominion over agriculture and goldsmiths. He is the herald of rebirth, new growth, and renewal, wearing a flayed skin over his perfect golden form to represent the first covering of vegetation that envelops the World during spring. His blessing brings new life and creation, raises fresh crops from barren earth, cures disease, and inspires goldsmiths to legendary feats of artifice.

While generally well-inclined toward humanity, Xīpe Totēc has a darker side. He is the originator of war and can inflict horrific diseases when angered. As an old God, he prefers older sacrifices in the form of flayed human skins. These are largely acquired during the Tlacaxipehualiztli festival in March, where his victims are shot with arrows, their blood nourishing the seeds of spring, and in reclusive fight clubs where his God impersonators fight five fearsome opponents to the death. The fallen in both ceremonies have their skins flayed to be worn in Xīpe Totēc’s honor. Some whisper that those who wear these skins are granted miraculous regenerative abilities and have the capacity to cure any disease. Truly pious Scions receive visions leading them to ancient caches of hidden Mēxihcah gold.

Xīpe Totēc’s Scions are warriors, farmers, goldsmiths, talented healers, and cunning hunters. Their penchant for wearing flayed skins alienates them from other Scions, so they often congregate in the Yopico, a cave-like temple deep beneath Mexico City, to commune with their God and gain access to the Otherworld.