
Red Ortho
Role
A pirate leader whose advances drove Valeria away.
Secrets
None known.
Dialogue
None.
Appearance
Not described.
Background
A leader in the Red Brotherhood.
Identified
true
Motivations
To make Valeria his mistress.
Personality
Implied to be predatory and forceful.
Competencies
Commanding pirate ships.
Plot Relevance
His actions caused Valeria to flee to the Kushite coast and eventually to Sukhmet.
First Appearance
Mentioned by Valeria on the crag
Timeline
Attempted Seduction
Red Ortho tries to force Valeria into a relationship, leading to her escape.
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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