The Forest
Type
Wilderness
Climate
Somber twilight under a green roof of branches.
Economy
None
Secrets
The dragons were re-created by ancient Xuchotlan magicians; only one remains alive.
Mood Tags
- •oppressive
- •silent
- •primeval
Government
None
Size Scale
illimitable waste
Description
A vast, somber, and illimitable forest of giant trees and dense undergrowth.
Inhabitants
Dragons and other prehistoric monsters.
Accessibility
Traversed by horse or on foot; extremely difficult to navigate.
Plot Relevance
The dangerous barrier Valeria and Conan must cross to reach Xuchotl.
First Appearance
The pool where Valeria's horse drinks
Geography Layout
A dense, trackless expanse surrounding the cactus-dotted plain.
Notable Features
- •giant trees
- •lofty arches
- •sullen green roof
- •Apples of Derketa
Timeline
The Dragon's Death
The dragon dies after crashing into a tree during its death throes.
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