Category Archives: Barbarians of Lemuria

Posts about, related to, or featuring content for Barbarians of Lemuria and related games such as Barbarians of the Aftermath, Dicey Tales, Dogs of WAR, and so on.

BoL Foes: Texotli – The Priests Of Tlactoztlan

Wherein your humble scribe presents a set of opponents for his Mesoamerican themed setting for Barbarians of Lemuria.

The priests of Tlactoztlan are called Texotli, the blue-headed ones. Like the blue-crowned parrots whose feathers comprise their distinctive headdresses, Texotli are uniquely in tune with the world around them and are prone to trance-like states of reverie and contemplation. Texotli serve the spiritual needs of the Tlactozotl, leading religious services, conducting human sacrifices, and interceding with the gods to bring rains and strong harvests. Texotli are frequently protected by the Coztli, whether traveling between cities or safely ensconced within their great temples in Xotepeclan and Tecali. The Texotli have at times pursued aggressive “witch hunts” against the sorcerous Izatacli, but for the moment, both sides are observing an unofficial détente.

Below are stats for Texotli Rabble and Texotli NPCs. Individual Texotli Villains, like Tlilpotonqui, are unique and should be created as needed by the Game Master.

Texotli Rabble

A typical temple priest.

Essences
Lifeblood 3

Attributes
Strength -1
Agility 0
Mind 0
Appeal 1

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 0
Ranged 0
Defense 0

Career
Priest 0

Protection: 0 (no armor)
Weapons: Jade Parrot Mace 1d6-1

Texotli NPCs

A member of the higher order of clergy, or perhaps a traveling priest who is not afraid to venture into the wilderness to reach isolated villages.

Essences
Lifeblood 9

Attributes
Strength 0
Agility 0
Mind 1
Appeal 1

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 1
Ranged 0
Defense 1

Career
Priest 1
Scholar 1

Protection: 1d3-1 (feathered cloak)
Weapons: Jade Parrot Mace 1d6

BoL Foes: Coztli – The Warriors Of Tlactoztlan

Wherein your humble scribe presents a set of opponents for his Mesoamerican themed setting for Barbarians of Lemuria.

The warrior caste of Tlactoztlan are known as Coztli, the yellow-headed ones. Like the yellow-crowned parrots whose feathers comprise their distinctive headdresses, the Coztli are deadly combatants and fearless defenders of their homeland. These men and women are a varied lot – coming in all shapes and sizes – for it is only their martial prowess that makes them worthy of the name Coztli and the rights and privileges that come with it. Respected throughout Tlactoztlan – and feared beyond the lost valley – Coztli serve not only as soldiers but also as guards and escorts for the Tlactozotl priests, the Texotli.

Below are stats for Coztli Rabble and Coztli NPCs. Individual Coztli Villains, like Chalchiquahchimal, are unique and should be created as needed by the Game Master.

Coztli Rabble

The average warrior or temple guard.

Essences
Lifeblood 4

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 0
Mind -1
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl
Melee 1
Ranged 0
Defense -1

Career
Warrior 0

Protection: 1 (Shield)
Weapons: Macuahuitl 1d6+2 (-1 to hit)
Atlatl (dart thrower) 1d6-1

Coztli NPCs

A leader or other individual of significant rank, experience, or responsibility, such as the bodyguard of a well-established merchant.

Essences
Lifeblood 11

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 1
Mind 0
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 1
Ranged 1
Defense 0

Career
Warrior 1
Soldier 1

Protection: 1d6-1 (quilted cotton armor & shield)
Weapons: Macuahuitl (obsidian-toothed wooden swords) 1d6+2
Atlatl (dart thrower) 1d6-1

BoL Bestiary: Jaguar (Ocelotl)

Jaguars, called Ocelotl by the natives of Tlactoztlan, are large predatory cats that are nearly as powerful as lions and tigers. Their spotted coats make them difficult to see in their jungle habitat, a trait which plays well to their solitary nature and stalk-and-ambush hunting style. Their powerful jaws allow them to deliver a bite capable of piercing the sturdiest armor or even a human skull. These cats are highly proficient at climbing and are strong swimmers with little to no disinclination towards water. There are rumors of larger & more dangerous Ocelotl living deep within the jungle, though these tales are generally believed to be exaggerations, since anyone who encountered a “giant” jaguar would likely not have survived to report the encounter.

Attributes
Strength 2
Agility 3
Mind 0

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6+2 damage
Attack with 2 claws +2; d6-1 damage each
Attack with all three attacks at +1
Defense: 3
Protection: d2-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 13

A Dangerous Foe: Chalchiquahchimal

Somewhere in the world lies the lost valley of Tlactoztlan. The strange natives of this hidden place practice human sacrifice, pray to bizarre gods, adorn themselves with brightly-colored feathers, and – it is rumored – live in cities made of gold. Only the bravest and luckiest adventurers find their way to Tlactoztlan!

A respected general in the army of King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan, Chalchiquahchimal serves with pride and honor, bringing great glory to Tlactoztlan. As commander of an elite cadre of Eagle Knights, Chalchiquahchimal drives his men to their limits of endurance, leading by example and fearing no foe. Honored with the Jade Eagle Shield by the King for his efforts against an invading outlander army, Chalchiquahchimal is, outwardly, the model of of a perfect soldier. But looks can be deceiving…

During that great conflict Chalchiquahchimal came into possession of a number of outlander texts, which he deciphered with the help of a prisoner he (mostly) spared from torture. These writings opened the general’s eyes to different visions of the world and through them he came to view the ruling class with disdain. In short order Chalchiquahchimal began to develop a vision for Tlactoztlan wherein the warrior caste, lead by his own hand, would rise up and take control of the country, enforcing order and discipline on the decadent people of the lost valley and, eventually, traveling forth to conquer the outlanders themselves. Though he keeps his contempt in check, Chalchiquahchimal becomes bolder and more open in his attempts to wrestle power from the King with each passing season.

Like all Coztli (the warriors of Tlactoztlan), Chalchiquahchimal wears a headdress comprised of yellow parrot feathers, with his own right-of-passage blood red Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 15
Villain Points 5

Attributes
Strength 3
Agility 2
Mind 1
Appeal 2

Combat
Brawl 2
Melee 3
Ranged 0
Defense 2

Careers
Warrior 3
Soldier 3
Torturer 1
Scholar 1

Boons
Hard-to-Kill
Strength Feat
Keen Eyesight

Flaws
Distrust of Sorcery
Arrogant

Languages
Tlacuatl, Outlander

Equipment
Macuahuitl (obsidian-toothed wooden sword), 1d6+4 (-1 to hit)
Fist, 1d2+3
Ichcahuipilli (quilted cotton armor) & Jade Eagle Shield, d6

Tlactoztlan: Towards A Map

I love RPG maps as a concept, but I have a tendency to shy away from them for settings I produce. I like the vagueness that comes with the lack of a map. But at the same time, damn if the old “Known World” maps and such just set my mind to racing.

So, with a little help from map tools by the inimitable Dan Proctor and the incomparable harmyn, I decided to knock together this thing over here on the right side of the screen. Yep, it’s an honest-to-goodness attempt to map out Tlactoztlan based on the bits and pieces that have been revealed in the various writeups I’ve done on that setting.

This is probably not final, and it certainly shouldn’t be taken as any kind of canon. Or rather, I utterly and completely reserve the right to blow this up and replace it with something else entirely. Or at least refine it if I ever get on the stick and produce anything for distribution beyond the confines of the blog.

So let me know what you think of what you see. I’m no cartographer and I’m definitely open to suggestion. That said, I’m not overly concerned with realism here. So if you find yourself getting hung up on the intricacies of my terrain placement, please feel free to share. Just don’t get too distraught if I don’t immediately freak out with you 🙂

BoL Character: Huetzin The Hermit

The ancient seer Huetzin lives in a cave deep within the jungle to the south of Xotepeclan. Here he subtly works to help the nearby villagers overcome the troubles inflicted upon them by both the evil sorcerer Nezatl Xomec and the corrupt priest Tlilpotonqui. Huetzin knows that he lacks the power or influence to take on either of these threats to Tlactoztlan directly and would never engage in such folly. Instead, he does what he can to ease the suffering of the people and to alert those who serve King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan faithfully to the threats posed by those who seek to harm Tlactoztlan or its people.

Huetzin has forseen a day when an army of ghosts will come to Tlactoztlan and wash away the stains of the old ways with a sea of blood and brushes made of bones. He believes, but cannot see, that a brighter future free of evil lies on the other side of this great change. Huetzin is favorably disposed to most outlanders he encounters and is always watchful for signs that such people might lead the way to change. He is, at the very least, a strong if not active ally against the machinations of those who outlanders are likely to run afoul of when they arrive in Tlactoztlan.

Like all Izatacli (the sorcerers of Tlactoztlan), Huetzin wears a headdress comprised of white parrot feathers, with his own right-of-passage cerulean Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 11
Hero Points 3
Arcane Power 12

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 1
Mind 2
Appeal 1

Combat
Brawl 1
Melee 1
Ranged 2
Defense 1

Careers
Sorcerer 2
Scolar 1
Hunter 1
Merchant 1

Boons
Magic of the Sorcerer Kings
Jungle Tracker

Flaws
Cravings: Chewed leaves & roots that grant energy and mystical visions
Country Bumpkin

Languages
Tlacuatl, Sorceric, Outlander

Equipment
Jade monkey-headed Knife, d3+1
Atlatl (dart thrower), 1d6-1

A Dangerous Foe: Nezatl Xomec

In his hidden lair deep beneath the city of Xotepeclan, the sorcerer Nezatl Xomec patiently waits, like a malignant spider, weaving his plans of deceit and corruption with steely purpose and twisted, maniacal glee. The sorcerer has been a bane to the people of Tlactoztlan for more than 100 summers. Despite his great magical prowess, Nezatl Xomec is physically frail as a result of his great age and his obsession with the darkest magics.

In his pursuit of power Nezatl Xomec has entered into a pact with Mictlantecuhtli, a demon that rules over the lowest levels of hell. In exchange for his incredibly long life and the skills that he has developed as a sorcerer, Nezatl Xomec must supply Mictlantecuhtli with a steady stream of sacrifices. Further, Nezatl Xomec must consume the flesh and organs of these sacrifices on a regular basis or else he will falter and finally fall into complete decrepitude.

As if this weren’t enough, Mictlantecuhtli has cursed the sorcerer with a strange recurring malady – at the eleventh hour of every day, the flesh of Nezatl Xomec’s head melts away, leaving him with just a hideous bare skull until the twelfth hour arrives. It is frequently during this hour that Nezatl Xomec performs his sacrifices, as Mictlantecuhtli delights in souls that pass into his realm already filled with terror.

Nezatl Xomec is a master of many spells, but perhaps more terrifying is his willingness and ability to summon forth terrible demons to terrorize his foes and do the things that he himself is no longer physically capable of.

Like all Izatacli (the sorcerers of Tlactoztlan), Nezatl Xomec wears a headdress comprised of white parrot feathers, with his own right-of-passage emerald Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 7
Arcane Power 17
Villain Points 5

Attributes
Strength -1
Agility 1
Mind 4
Appeal 0

Combat
Brawl 0
Melee 0
Ranged 2
Defense 2

Careers
Sorcerer 5
Scholar 4
Artificer 3
Noble 1

Boons
Power of the Void

Flaws
Delicate
Cravings: Human Flesh
Mictlantecuhtli’s Curse

Languages
Tlacuatl, Outlander, Sorceric, Demonic

Equipment
Obsidian Spider Knife, 1d3 plus paralyzing poison (hard Strength task to resist)
Amulet of Tepeyollotl (d6-2 of “armor”)

BoL Character: Acaxochitl

The daughter of Xuchitl, one of the renown silver artisans of Quanoac, Acaxochitl now serves among the honor guard at the temple of Xochiquetzal. Chimanihuatl, the high priestess of Xochiquetzal, clearly favors Acaxochitl and has made the young warrior maiden something of a celebrity among the nobles and priests in Tecali, often choosing her to serve as the priestess’ personal guard during processions and public services. And though she is truly happiest on the field of battle, Acaxochitl finds her current life more than a little pleasing.

Acaxochitl wears a silver hummingbird pendant made for her by her father for her coming-of-age ceremony. She treasures this piece above all else and will fight to the death to retain or defend it. A person who managed to acquire it from her could almost certainly demand nearly any form of payment from her in exchange for the pendant. The evil sorcerer Nezatl Xomec is aware of this weakness and has plans to exploit it one day, when the stars are right and a certain high priestess must be slain by the hand of a maiden…

Like all Coztli (the warriors of Tlactoztlan), Acaxochitl wears a headdress comprised of yellow parrot feathers, with her own right-of-passage crimson Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 11
Hero Points 3

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 2
Mind 0
Appeal 1

Combat
Brawl 0
Melee 2
Ranged 1
Defense 1

Careers
Guard 2
Warrior 1
Metalsmith 1
Noble 0

Boons
War Cry
Thick Skin
Escape Artist

Flaws
Arrogant

Languages
Tlacuatl

Equipment
Macuahuitl (obsidian-toothed wooden sword), 1d6+2 (-1 to hit)
Atlatl (dart thrower), 1d6-1
Ichcahuipilli (quilted cotton armor) & chimalli (shield), d6-1

BoL Character: Yayauhqui

A charming, though somewhat anxious, young priest of Tlaloc, the rain god of the Tlactozotl, Yayauhqui travels between villages and cities in Tlactoztlan, bringing news and, if Tlaloc is pleased, rain. Yayauhqui is an accomplished agrarian and an amateur alchemist who believes that mixing the two disciplines will allow him to better understand the world around him.

Grounded as he is in the physical world and the plight of his people, he often finds himself at odds with his superiors in the great temples of Xotepeclan and Tecali. Additionally, unlike many within the priesthood Yayauhqui is not immediately suspicious of the handful of outsiders who have found their way into the lost valley. In fact, he may well be sympathetic to their plight.

Like all Texotli (the priests of Tlactoztlan), Yayauhqui wears a headdress comprised of blue parrot feathers, with his own right-of-passage green Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 13
Hero Points 5

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 0
Mind 1
Appeal 2

Combat
Brawl 0
Melee 1
Ranged 1
Defense 2

Careers
Priest 2
Farmer 2
Laborer 0
Alchemist 0

Boons
Sling Fighter
Hard-To-Kill

Flaws
Insubordinate (roll an extra die when dealing with “superiors”)

Languages
Tlacuatl, Outlander

Equipment
Jade parrot mace, d6+1
Sling, d6-2
Very light armor (feathered cloak) & shield (chimalli), d3

A Dangerous Foe: Tlilpotonqui

Feared throughout Tlactoztlan, Tlilpotonqui is the high priest of the Tlactozotl death god, Omacatl. He resides deep within the jungles of the lost valley, in the great vine-covered temple of Omacatl, where he and his cadre of jaguar-masked enforcers live richly upon the offerings left to Omacatl at the shrines that dot the roads and rivers of the land. Though he freely uses his position and power to benefit himself, Tlilpotonqui is no charlatan. He and his charges are devout believers in the power of Omacatl and they treat their rites with the utmost of respect. Tlilpotonqui possesses a very dark sense of humor and is not afraid to openly mock or threaten even the great Tlatoani if it suits his needs. Like all Texotli (the priests of Tlactoztlan), Tlilpotonqui wears a headdress comprised of blue parrot feathers, with a single jet black Quetzalcoatl feather at the center.

Essences
Lifeblood 11
Arcane Power 11
Villain Points 6

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 2
Mind 3
Appeal 1

Combat
Brawl 1
Melee 3
Ranged 1
Defense 2

Careers
Priest 3
Assassin 2
Magician 1
Torturer 1

Boons
Poison Immunity
Detect Deception
Marked by the Gods

Flaws
Unsettling
Cravings: Chewed leaves & roots that grant energy and mystical visions