Pipes of Madness
Type
Musical Instrument
Secrets
Hidden in the catacombs for generations before being found by the Xotalancas.
Abilities
- •Produces a thin, weird piping that paralyzes the listener with horror
- •Shrills at a pitch that destroys sanity and induces madness
- •Plucks at the tissues of the brain to fill the victim with alien impulses
Usage Costs
Causes extreme agony and permanent insanity in those who hear the music without protection.
Origin Story
Belonged to an ancient Xuchotlan wizard; rediscovered by the people of Xotalanc in the eastern catacombs.
Power Source
Ancient sorcery and the legacy of the wizard who owned them.
Restrictions
Requires the user to plug their ears to avoid the effects.
Current Status
Recovered by Tascela from the body of a Xotalanc leader after the battle in the throne room.
Plot Relevance
The tool used by the Xotalancas to bypass the guards at the Door of the Eagle and initiate the final massacre.
Physical Description
A set of pipes hidden for centuries with the bones of an ancient wizard in the catacombs.
Timeline
The Siege of the Eagle Door
A Xotalanc leader plays the pipes to paralyze Xatmec and his fellow guard, allowing the invaders to enter Tecuhltli.
Recovery by Tascela
After the Xotalancas are defeated, Tascela identifies the pipes and takes them from the dead leader.
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