Valeria
Role
The primary female protagonist and a formidable warrior.
Secrets
None currently revealed.
Dialogue
Sharp, often mocking or profane, showing her pirate upbringing.
Appearance
Tall, full-bosomed, and large-limbed with magnificent shoulders. She has unruly golden hair cut square at the shoulders and sea-colored eyes. She wears silk breeches, a wide silken sash, flaring-topped boots, and a wide-collared silk shirt.
Background
An Aquilonian who became a famous pirate in the Red Brotherhood; she fled to Sukhmet to escape Red Ortho and then fled south after killing a Stygian officer.
Identified
true
Motivations
To escape her pursuers and survive the perils of the forest and the city.
Personality
Fiercely independent, reckless, and courageous. She resents being protected because of her sex but finds herself respecting Conan's strength. She is prone to profanity and quick to violence.
Competencies
Expert swordswoman, skilled with a dirk, and an experienced seafarer and rider.
Plot Relevance
Her flight drives the initial plot; her combat skills are essential for surviving the Xotalancas.
First Appearance
A small pool in the forest south of Sukhmet
Timeline
Flight from Sukhmet
Valeria flees into the unknown southern forest after killing a Stygian officer.
Discovery of Xuchotl
From a crag, she sights the walled city in the plain.
Siege by the Dragon
She is trapped on a crag by a prehistoric monster and must rely on Conan's plan to escape.
Slaying the Burning Skull
Valeria kills the Xotalanc assassin and destroys his magical skull relic.
Alliance with Techotl
Valeria saves Techotl from a Xotalanc assassin and is forced to retreat into Tecuhltli territory, establishing a desperate alliance with the local clan.
Battle of the Throne Room
Valeria fights with finesse and ferocity, helping to wipe out the Xotalanc invaders.
Confrontation with Yasala
Valeria catches Yasala trying to drug her and whips her for information.
Abduction by Olmec
Olmec overpowers Valeria in her chamber and carries her away.
Imprisonment by Tascela
Valeria is bound and prepared for sacrifice by Tascela in the throne room.
Killing Tascela
Valeria stabs Tascela through the heart, ending the sorceress's life.
Departure with Conan
Valeria accepts Conan as her partner and leaves Xuchotl for the coast.
Explore more
Chicmec
A scout for the Tecuhltli clan whose death serves as a narrative catalyst.
Characters
Valeria Discovers the City of Xuchotl
manuscript
Plot & Structure
The Great Hall System
## Overview The **Great Hall System** is the primary architectural and navigational artery of the city of **Xuchotl**. Unlike traditional cities, Xuchotl is constructed as a single, massive, interconnected structure under one roof, with the Great Hall serving as the equivalent of a main street. ## Mechanics and Rules * **Orientation:** The hall traverses the entire city from the **North Gate** to the **South Gate**. * **Dimensions:** It is described as being of "heroic proportions," with a length so vast that its vista grows indistinct in the distance. * **Construction:** The floor is composed of square tiles of a red stone that smolders with the reflection of flames. The walls are made of green jade, and the vaulted ceiling is crafted from lapis lazuli. * **Illumination:** The hall is lit by clusters of **Green Fire-Jewels** set into the ceiling, which glow with a poisonous radiance, supplemented by crystalline skylights that allow filtered sunlight to enter. ## Narrative Significance The Great Hall represents the only major open space within the claustrophobic, palace-like city. It acts as the boundary between the warring factions of **Tecuhltli** and **Xotalanc**. Techotl notes that the city gates, which terminate this hall, have not been opened for fifty years, emphasizing the isolation of the inhabitants.
World & Mechanics