The Crawler
Role
A monstrous, prehistoric predator that stalks the forest surrounding Xuchotl and is used as a weapon by the Xotalanc clan.
Secrets
Its biology allows it to remain active after eating, and its scales change color with its mood. It was controlled by the Xotalanc through unknown secrets from the catacombs.
Dialogue
Produces harsh, grating roars and inhuman sounds of pain and rage.
Appearance
A titan with a head larger than a crocodile's, grinning jaws with yellow tusks, a saurian-like snout, and huge python-like eyes. It has a long scaled neck with serrated spikes, a barrel-bellied torso on short legs, a whitish belly, and a long spiked tail like a gargantuan scorpion. Its scales can change from rusty brown to lurid red. In death, it appears as a great serpent of indeterminable hue with a reptilian head and down-curving fangs.
Background
A survival of an elder age, described in black legends as a dragon. The Xotalanc clan brought it up from the black tunnels below the catacombs to aid them in their feud.
Identified
false
Motivations
To hunt, kill, and consume any living prey that enters its territory.
Personality
Driven by primordial hunger and a patient, intelligent fury.
Competencies
Immense physical strength, ability to rear on hind legs, thick protective scales, and a lethal spiked tail.
Plot Relevance
Serves as the primary environmental antagonist and later as a psychological weapon used by the Xotalanc against the Tecuhltli.
First Appearance
The forest thicket near the crag
Timeline
The Feast
The creature slays and devours the horses of Valeria and Conan.
The Siege of the Crag
It traps the adventurers on a rock, attempting to reach them by rearing on its hind legs.
The Poisoning
Conan stabs the creature in the jaw with a spear tipped with the poisonous Apples of Derketa.
The Death Throes
Blinded by poison and pain, the beast charges blindly and kills itself by crashing into a giant tree.
The Stairway Skirmish
A second Crawler (or the same, appearing as a slithering thing) attacks Conan on the stairs; Conan shears through it with his sword.
Final Discovery
Conan finds the creature dead behind a divan in Xotalanc, confirming it died from the wound he dealt it on the stair.
Explore more
Chicmec
A scout for the Tecuhltli clan whose death serves as a narrative catalyst.
Characters
The Crag
Natural Landmark
Locations
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