The Secret Stair
Type
Architectural Feature
Secrets
Supposedly haunted by the ghost of Tolkemec.
Abilities
- •Provides a direct route from the upper tiers to the catacombs
Usage Costs
Reeks of damp mold and is associated with the presence of ghosts.
Origin Story
Part of the original construction of Xuchotl.
Restrictions
Leads to the walled-off section of the catacombs.
Current Status
Located behind a door in Valeria's suite; used by Yasala to escape.
Plot Relevance
The path through which Yasala flees and where she is seemingly attacked by an unseen force.
Physical Description
A flight of stone steps behind a copper-bound door that vanishes into utter blackness, leading straight to the pits below the city.
Timeline
Yasala's Flight
After tricking Valeria, Yasala flees down the secret stair into the catacombs.
The Cry in the Dark
Valeria hears Yasala scream from the depths of the stair, followed by a ghostly tittering.
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