Xuchotl Clan War
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## Overview The **Xuchotl Clan War** is a genocidal, fifty-year-long conflict between the **Tecuhltli** (occupying the western quarter) and the **Xotalanc** (occupying the eastern quarter). ## Mechanics and Rules * **Nature of Conflict:** It is a war of total extermination. No challenges are issued; combatants spring at each other's throats in "murderous silence." Both men and women fight with equal ferocity. * **The Black Pillar:** A central ritualistic element where the victors drive a **Crimson Nail** into a black pillar for every enemy slain. * **Isolation:** The war has been contained within the city walls for fifty years. No participant has set foot outside the city in that time, and for fifteen years, no children have been born to either side. * **Territory:** The city is divided into the western end (Tecuhltli), the eastern end (Xotalanc), and the southern gate (formerly Tolkemec). The center is the uninhabited **Halls of Silence**. ## Narrative Significance The war has reduced the inhabitants to a state of "gaunt, muscle-knotted" madness. It drives the entire plot, concluding with the total destruction of the Xotalanc clan and the eventual self-extermination of the Tecuhltli when the ghost-like Tolkemec returns to slaughter the survivors.
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Social Structures
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Chicmec
A scout for the Tecuhltli clan whose death serves as a narrative catalyst.
Characters
The Crag
Natural Landmark
Locations
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