Apples of Derketa
Type
Biological Weapon
Abilities
- •Contains a lethal poison capable of killing an elephant
- •Juice causes immediate death if drunk or spilled on the flesh
Usage Costs
Extremely dangerous to handle; purple drops are lethal upon contact.
Origin Story
Named after Derketa, the Queen of the Dead in the legends of the black people of Kush.
Power Source
Natural toxicity
Restrictions
Must be harvested from specific trees found near the crag in the forest.
Current Status
Growing on trees in the forest near the crag; used by Conan to poison a dragon.
Plot Relevance
Provided the means for Conan and Valeria to defeat the dragon besieging them on the crag.
Evolution Potential
Can be used to coat weapons, turning them into poisoned pikes.
Physical Description
Large, darkly crimson globes suspended from a tree with broad, rich, vivid green leaves.
Timeline
Discovery of the Apples
Valeria notices the fruit while trapped on the crag, but Conan warns her of their lethal nature.
Poisoning the Spear
Conan uses his improvised spear to pierce an Apple of Derketa, staining the blade with its purple poison.
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