the dragon
Role
A primary environmental antagonist.
Secrets
None known.
Dialogue
None; produces harsh, grating roars and inhuman sounds.
Appearance
A gigantic, barrel-bellied torso on short legs with a whitish belly and a serrated backbone. It has a long scaled neck, a head like a crocodile with yellow tusks and python-like eyes, and a long spiked tail like a scorpion.
Background
A prehistoric survival inhabiting the forest south of the Stygian border.
Identified
true
Motivations
To feed on the horses and the humans.
Personality
Driven by hunger and insane rage; possesses a terrifying, reptilian patience.
Competencies
Immense physical strength, ability to tear up trees, and a lethal spiked tail.
Plot Relevance
Forces the protagonists to unite and seek refuge in Xuchotl.
First Appearance
The forest thicket near the crag
Timeline
Slaying the Horses
The dragon devours Valeria and Conan's steeds near the pool.
Besieging the Crag
The monster traps the humans on the rock, waiting for them to descend.
Poisoning and Death
After being stabbed with a poisoned spear, the dragon blunders into a tree and dies.
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