Payata is a headstrong young Red Panda Hengeyokai whose primary interests are getting into scraps and helping the sick and needy. As early as she can remember she has worked at a very small, secluded temple dedicated to the immortal Li Tieguai. There she was taught to treat wounds and disease and to always assist those less fortunate than herself.

During her formative century in her animal form, Payata struggled as an outcast amongst her kind and was often forced to fight for her own survival. A necessary savagery that carried over to her ascendance caused her to gravitate towards the great tales of battle contained within the temple's library. She practiced in secret to try and emulate those warriors from tales of their deeds alone.

One day the masters at the temple discovered her practicing and threatened to expel her, stating that violence was forbidden to those faithful to Li Tieguai. Enraged at the idea that a defender of the weak could not stand for them as well, Payata fled the next day before her masters could reach a decision.

Since then she has wandered aimlessly, tending to the needy as she was taught but striving desperately to match the heroics of old legends. She has managed to become a shockingly adept fighter through rigorous training along her journey. She met several fighting masters in various villages and towns as she traveled, each imparting some bit of wisdom on her before she moved on. She came to favor her shield as a primary weapon, aiding in the defense of her friends while being a formidable force in its own.

Deciding to cross the Eastern Sea on a whim, she made her way to Japan. Coming across a tattered flier in the market she felt her blood boil, the parchment asking if she was "tough enough!" to really serve the Imperial Guard.