The Crag
Type
Natural Landmark
Climate
hot sunlight at the peak, shaded below
Economy
None
Secrets
A man once died of starvation on the shelf, likely trapped by a similar monster.
Mood Tags
- •isolated
- •vantage
- •perilous
Government
None
Size Scale
tall spire with a broad shelf
Description
A rugged, spire-like outcropping of dark, flint-like rock rising above the forest canopy.
Inhabitants
None; site of a human skeleton and a besieging dragon.
Accessibility
Reached by climbing a natural ramp and pushing through a belt of encircling leaves.
Plot Relevance
Serves as the vantage point where Valeria first sights Xuchotl and where she and Conan are besieged by a dragon.
First Appearance
The forest near the pool
Geography Layout
A narrow ridge forms a ramp leading up the steep face to a broad shelf even with the tree-tops, topped by a pinnacle.
Notable Features
- •natural ramp
- •leafy belt of foliage
- •spire-like jut
- •litter of dead leaves
Timeline
Discovery of the Skeleton
Valeria finds the remains of a man who died of natural causes on the shelf.
Sighting of Xuchotl
From the peak, Valeria sees the walled city in the cactus-dotted plain.
The Dragon's Siege
A monstrous dragon traps Conan and Valeria on the crag after killing their horses.
The Poisoned Spear
Conan uses the Apples of Derketa to poison a makeshift spear and wound the dragon.
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