Tepito Smallheart

Tepito, known mononymously as Smallheart, (-20 - 38) was the founder of the Tiwatli Bears' Sons. Smallheart was unique among the Dozen Clan-Fathers for his assimilation into Numagh society. As a common-born sailor, Tepito made less effort to preserve Tiwatli culture than men like Alpatlo or Caccolotlo. His fondness for the littlemen earned him the nickname "Smallheart", which he embraced.

Early life
Tepito was born to a poor family in the slums of Tizocolli. As a young teenager he got himself into a deep debt. Unable to pay it back, he became the debt-slave of his creditor. After six years in servitude, he escaped and boarded a ship called the Lonely Chaneque as a laborer.

Lost at sea
When storms blew the Chaneque far into the sea, Tepito thought he was the cause, since the gods abhor stowaways. He violated his station by begging the captain to turn around. His superiors disciplined him, but this act made him the voice of the common sailor. The storm passed and Tepito still lived. As the days went on and return seemed impossible, he and his followers presented the noblemen with more and more demands.

Mutiny
When the Chaneque reached landfall at Halfway Island, the crew was split over whether to settle there or move on. Tepito saw the supernova of 2 BFC as a sign from the gods and joined the voices who wanted to chase it. Atlacan, until then Tepito's right-hand man, split with him over this, and led the Settlers. The Munity at Halfway broke out in the middle of the night. Tepito was spared and left asleep, but was awakened by the commotion. He killed Atlacan and saved the life of Alpatlo.