Braze

Braze is a male Zebra and thief who once crossed paths with the Mane Six.

History
Around the time Daring Do and the Volcano of Destiny was released, Braze stole the Half-Gilded Horseshoe from Zecora, a fellow zebra. He sought to use it to open the ancient treasure horde known as the Spirit Circle, not caring that doing so would unleash a horde of spirits upon Equestria. Braze then entered the Everfree Forest in order to locate the Castle of Two Sisters, which was built atop the site of the Spirit Circle. Rainbow Dash, pursuing him at Zecora’s request, heard his laughter as she trailed him into the woodlands.

Sensing her pursuit, Braze allowed Rainbow Dash to glimpse his red smoke, luring her into a trap. He cast a spell to freeze her wings, causing her to fall into quicksand, and he laughed wickedly as she began to sink. However, Rainbow Dash managed to pull herself to safety, for which Braze had reason to be grateful. As he discovered, the Half-Gilded Horseshoe could only open the Spirit Circle if placed by a Pony who could perform a Sonic Rainboom.

Finding the rest of the Mane Six trailing Rainbow Dash, Braze took them prisoner as a means of forcing Rainbow Dash to carry out his wishes. Revealing himself to Rainbow Dash at the Spirit Circle, he delivered his ultimatum and was pleased when she agreed. However, called out and distracted him. This allowed Rainbow Dash to switch the horseshoe for an ordinary one she carries, which she used to make Braze think she couldn’t open the Spirit Circle. This left Braze even more distracted, as the door to the circle began to sink back into the ground from which it had emerged.

Rainbow Dash attempted to sneak over to her friends, only for to alert Braze to her possession of the real Half-Gilded Horseshoe. Braze attempted to reclaim it, but Rainbow Dash proved too fast for him, and succeeded in freeing her friends. The door then disappeared, leaving Braze to swear that he would make another attempt before disappearing.

Personality
Like Zecora, Braze spoke in rhyme. He was, however, an utterly malicious individual, willing to steal a valuable artifact, hold others captive for blackmail, and unleash evil spirits upon innocent ponies in the pursuit of his own selfish gain. He also had the tendency to cackle maniacally.

Abilities and traits
Braze is described from Rainbow Dash’s point of view as “massive”, and he sported an earring made out of Phoenix feathers. His pattern of red, orange, and yellow stripes resembled fire, and he had eyes as red as blood.

Braze possessed some magical skill, though the source of his powers was unclear. He seemed to have a particular affinity for fire, favoring ropes fashioned from it as restraints and weapons. His footsteps also produced fire, and he could apparently use it to teleport and generate clouds of red smoke. He also seems to have possessed limited abilities resembling telekinesis, as he was able to prevent Rainbow Dash’s wings from moving and also move her around with his will. However, Braze’s limited use of this power suggests that he was unable or unwilling to use it more forcefully.

Trivia

 * His name is an anagram of zebra.