The Catacombs
Type
Subterranean Vaults
Climate
Dark, cold, and moldy
Economy
None
Secrets
Contains the remains of a prehistoric race; Tolkemec survived here for twelve years.
Mood Tags
- •ghastly
- •forbidden
- •dark
Government
None
Size Scale
extensive underground network
Description
Ancient burial chambers beneath Xuchotl containing the bones of magician-kings.
Inhabitants
Rats and Tolkemec.
Accessibility
Reached by stone stairs from the upper floors.
Plot Relevance
The source of dark magic and monsters used in the feud; where Tolkemec hid for twelve years.
First Appearance
Mentioned by Techotl
Geography Layout
Located beneath the main palace structure, divided by a wall between the clans.
Notable Features
- •Stone crypts
- •Bones of ancient kings
- •The Crawler's lair
Timeline
Yasala's Flight
Yasala flees into the catacombs to escape Valeria and is heard screaming in the dark.
Tolkemec's Survival
Tolkemec dwells in the darkness for twelve years, finding a secret weapon.
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