The Return of Tolkemec
Events
- •Tolkemec enters through a side door, tittering and looking non-human.
- •Tascela realizes Tolkemec has found a 'secret weapon' in the pits.
- •Tolkemec begins firing a crimson beam from a jade wand, instantly shriveling his victims.
Origin
manuscript
Tension
- •The unpredictable nature of Tolkemec's madness makes him a threat to friend and foe alike.
External
- •The lethal, long-range threat of the jade wand's fire-beam.
Internal
- •The Tecuhltli are paralyzed by ancestral horror at the sight of the 'ghost' of Tolkemec.
Sequence
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Worldbuilding
- •The 'witch-wand' is introduced as a high-tech or magical artifact capable of disintegrating flesh.
- •The catacombs are shown to have transformative effects on those who survive within them.
Status Changes
- •A third, chaotic party enters the conflict, targeting everyone in the room.
- •Tascela's control over the situation is shattered by the appearance of her ancient enemy.
Narrative Summary
The long-lost Tolkemec appears in the throne room, transformed into a scaly, mad nightmare after twelve years in the catacombs. He wields a magical jade wand that fires lethal crimson beams.
Timeline Event Ids
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Affected Entity Ids
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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