Green Fire-Jewels
Content
## Overview Known as the "petrified eyes of Golden Serpents," these gems provide the primary source of light within the windowless city of Xuchotl. ## Mechanics and Rules * **Properties:** They glow with a constant, eerie green light that intensifies in the dark. The light is described as "poisonous" and "witch-fire." * **Placement:** They are set into the lapis lazuli ceilings and walls, often in clusters. They illuminate the city's "flaming" red floors and the ivory stairs within the walls. * **Lore:** According to the people of Punt, they are the remains of prehistoric snakes. They were found in the hills to the east by the original Xuchotlans. ## Narrative Significance The jewels provide the atmospheric, nightmare-like lighting that defines the setting. They represent the lost knowledge of the city's builders and create the "dusky emerald witch-light" that accompanies every act of violence in the story.
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Knowledge Systems
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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