Tecuhltli
Type
City Quarter
Climate
Interior environment
Economy
Air-devouring fruits grown within the city.
Secrets
The princess Tascela is a witch who possesses the secret of perpetual youth.
Mood Tags
- •defensive
- •wary
Government
Led by Prince Olmec.
Size Scale
one-third of the city palace
Description
The western quarter of Xuchotl inhabited by the clan of the same name.
Inhabitants
The Tecuhltli clan, including Techotl, Olmec, and Tascela.
Accessibility
Reached through the Halls of Silence; protected by the Door of the Eagle.
Plot Relevance
The faction that Conan and Valeria join to destroy the Xotalanc.
Culture Customs
- •Warfare against Xotalanc
- •Driving red nails into a black pillar for every enemy slain
First Appearance
The Halls of Silence
Geography Layout
Occupies the western portion of the great palace-city, fortified with blocked doors and internal walls.
Languages Spoken
- •Stygian dialect
Notable Features
- •Western gate
- •Door of the Eagle
- •Black ebony column
Timeline
Meeting Techotl
Valeria saves Techotl from a Xotalanc assassin, forming an alliance.
The Massacre of Xotalanc
The Tecuhltli and their allies slaughter the invading Xotalanc warriors in the throne room.
Olmec's Betrayal
Olmec attempts to abduct Valeria and orders the death of Conan.
The Fall of Tecuhltli
The remaining members of the clan are slaughtered by Tolkemec's magic wand.
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