Category Archives: Tlactoztlan

BoL Bestiary: Cochmeuhquetl – The Zombies Of Tlactoztlan

Cochmeuhquetl (“sleepwalkers”) are Coztli that, after having been slain in battle, are returned to a semblance of life by Teoyaomqui, the god of dead warriors. Their purposes unknown to the common people of Tlactoztlan – and seldom divined even by the Texotli – these shambling undead creatures are often found within the swamps and deep jungles of the lost valley. Sometimes they appear to be guarding particular areas. Other times they are seen to be working at building new temples. And occasionally they descend upon a village where unrighteous behavior has been observed to mete out the punishment of the gods.

Attributes
Strength 4
Agility −1
Mind −2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Macuahuitl +2; 2d6
Attack with Fists, +3; 1d6
Defense: -1
Protection: d6 (tough skin)
Lifeblood: 15

BoL Foes: Cuachicqueh – The Shorn Ones

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

Cuachicqueh – whose appellation translates as “The Shorn Ones” – are the ultimate Tlactozotl warriors; feared by king, priest, soldier and peasant. No fiercer breed of man exists within the lost valley. These elite fighters take their name from their custom of shaving their heads completely but for a single braid that extends over their left ear. They are also known to paint their faces and heads, normally half red and half blue, though other color schemes have been seen. Prior to entering battle, each Cuachicqueh swears a blood oath never to retreat even a single step. Violation of this oath results in death.

Rumors persist that Cuachicqueh cannot truly be killed by an opponent in battle and that if slain their bodies arise anew, powered by some strange magic or perhaps by the will of the gods themselves. Regardless of the veracity of these legends, one is strongly advised not to engage with Cuachicqueh who are charged with the protection of a temple, as these warriors are known to continue fighting through injuries that would kill a lesser man.

Essences
Lifeblood 13

Attributes
Strength 3
Agility 1
Mind 0
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 3
Ranged 1
Defense 0

Career
Warrior 2
Soldier 2

Protection: 1d6-1 (quilted cotton armor & shield)
Weapons: Macuahuitl (obsidian-toothed wooden swords) 1d6+4 (-1 to hit)
Atlatl (dart thrower) 1d6+2

BoL: The Lesser Cities Of Tlactoztlan

Much has been discussed about the inhabitants, both human and otherwise, of Tlactoztlan. But so far, little has been revealed of its nature. Below are some verbal sketches of the nine lessser Tlactozotl cities as well as an indication of things that are frequently seen in those cities.

The current map of Tlactoztlan is reproduced here for reference. Click on it for a larger version.

Anhuatli
Anhuatli has a thriving “secular” university, the library of which nearly rivals that of the Great School in Xotepeclan. Students who attend this college are often the children of lesser nobles or scions of the larger merchant families of Tlactoztlan. Philosophy, the arts and sciences, and even outlander languages are taught here by a faculty comprised largely of Tlactozotl who have returned to the hidden valley after traveling in the wider world. The religious leaders of Tlactoztlan grudgingly tolerate the presence and organization of these “heretics” only because King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan insists that at least some number of Tlactozotl have an understanding of the greater world because it is necessary to understand one’s enemies. The occasional too-outspoken teacher has run afoul of the priesthood in the past, though.

A group of students returning from a “field trip” to the outside world, weary but excited
A heated debate between visiting priests and multiple professors in the public market
Farmers from the outlying areas delivering goods, aghast at the fashions and attitudes of Anhuatli
Children of the faculty of the University openly taunting priests as they travel through the city
A group of Eagle Knights eyeing a small band of visiting Jaguar Warriors suspiciously

Mixochitl
Renowned for its natives’ outstanding and colorful wooden animals and demons, Mixochitl is the capital of the “lesser” arts such as wood carving and basket making. The people of Mixochitl are humble and honest, shunning the bright colors favored by most other Tlactozotl. The food here is simple yet exquisite fare, featuring corn fritters filled with various savory and sweet delights. Mixochitlotl are capable of great warmth and generosity, but are often wary of outsiders when they are first encountered.

Artisans selling their carved wood creatures along the main thoroughfare
Women selling food from traveling carts pulled by their excited children
A scarred old warrior wrestling an crocodile in a pit for money
Small groups of young women gathered about the fountain in the town square, coyly flirting with passersby
An Jaguar Warrior attempting to recruit disaffected townsfolk into his order

Tiacazatlan
Home to numerous temples to lesser Tlactozotl deities, Tiacazatlan is a mecca for those with simpler needs and humbler requests. Tiacazatlan also benefits from a number of mineral springs which draw visitors from throughout Tlactoztlan.

Water merchants selling elixirs and draughts, some of which may have magical or healing properties
A farmer waiting at the steps of the temple of Xilonen in hopes of receiving a blessing
Priests of the lesser deities leaded in the old and infirm to temple for use as sacrifices
A circus with jugglers, fire eaters and trained jaguars performing in the central plaza
A group of young Jaguar Warriors training near the outskirts of the city

Quiloxoclan
A very serious place indeed, Quiloxoclan is home to the finest weapon-makers in all of Tlactoztlan. Obsidian from the nearby mines is somehow stronger and sharper than that found elsewhere in the lost valley. The people of Quiloxoclan are all devout followers of Itzlacoliuhque, the Tlactozotl god of obsidian knives and other implements of war.

Merchants displaying their finely crafted macuahuitl and obsidian knives, sometimes in elaborate weapon skill exhibitions put on by the local Eagle Knights
Priests of Itzlacoliuhque inspecting the workshops of weapon-makers to ensure that the crafters are meeting the standards set by the priesthood
A group of outlanders who have found their way into the lost valley via one of the rivers that runs through the nearby mountains

Pochilitzin
At the foot of Topecacalpachipan, the second tallest peak in the western mountains, stands Pochilitzin, the City of Feathers. The combination of terrain types near Pochilitzin allows for a broad range of bird species to be found within easy traveling distance, which in turn makes the town the ultimate resource for the feathers that feature so prominently in Tlactozotl clothing and art. The feathers that comprise the headdresses of many nobles and priests were originally purchased in the markets in Pochilitzin.

Feather merchants hawking their wares
A group of bird hunters returning with a great catch of condor, parrot and hawk
Priests of Opochtli blessing a hunting party about to set out

Temozco
Called “Little Quanoac” by many Tlactozotl, Temozco lies nestled at the base of Nezahuaquitzin, the tallest mountain in the west. Like Quanoac, Temozco is a thriving mercantile and artisan stronghold. The priests of Tlaloc maintain an extravagant temple here, and in return for the loyalty of the Temozcozotl they intercede with the armies of King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan, keeping the city free of unwanted political interference.

Ladies selling pottery and beaded necklaces along the main thoroughfare
Priestesses of Xochiquetzal leading a sacrifice to bring good fortune to the Temozcozotl artisans
A seller of trained monkeys visiting the city from the deep jungle to the north

Opomiztlan
The premier headdress makers of Tlactoztlan – Xiuixico, Pizcazatec, and Maloxoq – make their homes in Opomiztlan, just close enough to the great cities to be accessible to the young nobles who flock to them for their artistry and just far enough away that they can actually focus on their art. Life among the Opomiztlotl is marked with frivolity and an obsession with appearances. The food in Opomiztlan is very spicy and focuses heavily on fish-based dishes.

An impromptu fashion show pitting the latest creations of the great headdress houses against one another for the amusement of the local Priestesses of Ayauhteotl
A group of young nobles visiting one of the headdress makers to deliver their rite-of-passage feathers for the creation of their own unique headdresses
The hermit Huetzin passing though town gathering supplies for the coming season

Nezachitlan
Nezachitlan is home to the largest and most prestigious Ullamaliztli court in Tlactoztlan, even grander and more storied than the ones in Xotepeclan, Tecali and Quanoc. The people of Nezachitlan are justifiably proud of their long history of dominance on the tlachtli and take their local team’s performance very seriously. The town’s guard is always on patrol for jaguar-masked minions of Tlilpotonqui sneaking through the town at night in search of drunken revelers, destitute gamblers, and other questionable individuals to use as part of the never-ending tide of sacrifices at the Temple of Omacatl, which lies not far to the southwest.

A recently victorious Ullamaliztli team being paraded through the streets
A group of gamblers outside the arena placing bets on upcoming matches
Tlilpotonqui himself visiting the town simply to reinforce the people’s fear of him

Tecuchitl
Travelers to remote Tecuchitl are frequently surprised to discover a vibrant and thriving town where nothing more than a village would be expected. The Tecuchitlotl wouldn’t have it any other way. These hardy and clever souls are quite happy to remain on the empire’s edge, pushing the boundaries of esoteric wisdom and arcane lore without the involvement of the priests, soldiers and politicians so prevalent in the rest of Tlactoztlan.

A group of Izatacli renewing the enchantments that render the town nigh invisible to the rest of Tlactoztlan
Alchemists and apothecaries intensely creating talismans and concoctions in the Xiuhitl, an open air marketplace for such oddities
Sorcerers from outside the lost valley who have come to confer with the great sages who reside here, largely free to pursue their goals in peace

BoL Bestiary: Quilitlconcuanacatl – Man-Eating Plants Of Tlactoztlan

Although they are largely immobile, Quilitlconcuanacatl pose a serious threat to jungle travelers. These carnivorous plants blend in almost perfectly with their surroundings and surprise all but the most alert eyes when they snap with their powerful jaws. Fortunately, Quilitlconcuanacatl require food only once every 6-12 days, and they will not attack if they are currently digesting a meal. The area immediately around a digesting Quilitlconcuanacatl is far more likely to be occupied by jaguars, crocodiles, and other predators as these awful plants emit a sickening aroma that attracts such creatures to the vicinity.

Quilitlconcuanacatl

When a character has been bitten by a Quilitlconcuanacatl, he or she must succeed at a Hard Agility-based task check or be swallowed whole by the massive plant. Creatures swallowed by a Quilitlconcuanacatl are immobilized and will suffer 1 LB damage each hour they remained trapped inside the creature, as they are being slowly digested. Only the complete destruction of a Quilitlconcuanacatl can save the “meal” from its fate. Once a Quilitlconcuanacatl has successfully swallowed a creature it will not attack or otherwise engage any other creatures in the vicinity. However, the aroma released by a digesting Quilitlconcuanacatl attracts other predators to the area, making it hard for “survivors” to focus on destroying the plant.

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility −1
Mind −3

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +3; 2d6
Defense: -1
Protection: d6 (tough, fibrous “skin”)
Lifeblood: 50

BoL Bestiary: Hueyatocatl – Giant Spiders Of Tlactoztlan

With a tip of the hat to Jeff Mejia of Evil DM Productions for his work on the BoL version of Legends of Steel, I present the Giant Spider (Tlactoztol variant).

Eight-legged death awaits the foolhardy in the jungles and ruins of Tlactoztlan in the form of giant spiders the natives call Hueyatocatl. These malevolent creatures possess a deadly poisonous bite delivered with terrible mandibles. Look carefully before you step into that darkened room or seemingly innocent clearing, traveler.

Hueyatocatl

Hueyatocatl poison causes nerves to burn with a searing agony as it courses through the veins of the unlucky victim. Immediately after being bitten the victim must make a Hard Strength-based task check or take an additional d6 damage that bypasses any armor or other protection. Subsequent bites in the same encounter do only an additional d3 damage unless a Tricky Strength-based task check is made.

Attributes
Strength 3
Agility 0
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +1; d6 + poison
Defense: 0
Protection: 1 (chitinous hide)
Lifeblood: 10

BoL Bestiary: Hueyacoatl – Giant Snakes Of Tlactoztlan

With a tip of the hat to Jeff Mejia of Evil DM Productions for his outstanding work in the BoL version of Legends of Steel, I present the Giant Snake (Tlactoztol variants).

From the tall grasses of the plains, to the dark depth of the jungles, to the fetid swamps, and sometimes even in the sewers and catacombs beneath the cities – cold-blooded death awaits the unwary in the lost valley. Whether striking with poisonous fangs, constricting with powerful muscles, or killing freely with both approaches, Hueyacoatl – the giant snakes of Tlactoztlan – pose a serious threat to human and animal alike.

Hueyiztlacoatl (Giant Venomous Snake)

Hueyiztlacoatl venom is a neurotoxin that impedes muscle movement, including the functioning of heart and lungs. Victims of a Hueyiztlacoatl bite must make a Hard Strength-based task check or be paralyzed for one hour. At the end of the hour – if the victim has somehow not been consumed by the snake – a second task check, of Tricky difficulty, must be made. On a success the victim shakes off the effects of the poison and recovers. On a failure, however, the victim expires.

Attributes
Strength 4
Agility 3
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6+1 + poison
Defense: 2
Protection: none
Lifeblood: 25

Hueyaquilpicoatl (Giant Constrictor Snake)

A victim of a Hueyaquilpicoatl’s constriction attack may attempt to break free each round after the initial successful strike by making a Strength-based task check with the snake’s own Strength as a negative modifier. You might want to spend a Hero Point on that, son.

Attributes
Strength 6
Agility 1
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with constriction +1; 2d6
Defense: 0
Protection: d3-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 35

Miquiztlicoatl (Giant Venomous Constrictor Snake)

Miquiztlicoatl show an almost human level of intelligence and appear to delight in tormenting their victims. See above for information on venom and constriction attacks.

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility 2
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +1; d6 + poison
Attack with constriction +0; 2d6-1
Defense: 1
Protection: d2-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 30

BoL: The Great Cities Of Tlactoztlan

Much has been discussed about the inhabitants, both human and otherwise, of Tlactoztlan. But so far, little has been revealed of its nature. Below are some verbal sketches of the three major Tlactozotl cities as well as an indication of things that are frequently seen in those cities.

The current map of Tlactoztlan is reproduced here for reference. Click on it for a larger version.

Xotepeclan
The Capital city of Tlactoztlan, Xotepeclan is a teeming metropolis at the foot of Cuhtlipocapetl, a smoldering but dormant volcano. Temples and royal palaces dot the skyline of Xotepeclan, with multiple markets scattered throughout the city.

Common sights within Xotepeclan include:

A royal procession featuring King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan
A royal procession featuring a lesser noble
Eagle Knights en route to an audience with the king
Texotli traveling intently from one temple to another
Merchants haggling in the market, or offering their wares to passersby
Coztli patrolling the city, on guard for criminals
Commoners bringing their produce to market
Izatacli relaxing by a fountain, discussing the nature of the universe
Jaguar Warriors recruiting Coztli to join their ranks
A group of performers from the house of song and dance
Servants of Nezatl Xomec, up to no good

Tecali
Called the City of Temples, Tecali is the spiritual capital of Tlactoztlan. Countless temples to the innumerable Tlactozotl gods rise along the shores of Lake Xiachitlatl, the tallest of which afford a view of Xotepeclan to the northwest. Nearly as large as the Capital itself, Tecali is a bustling center of trade, knowledge, and, occasionally, danger.

Common sights within Tecali include:

The Great Tlatoani, high priest of Huitzilopochtli, leading a sacrifice ceremony at the great temple
Priestesses of Xochiquetzal blessing young lovers with flower garlands
Priests of Chicomexochtli overseeing a group of painters working on a codex
Priests of Ixtlilton tending to the sick
Priests of Itzlacoliuhque receiving shipments of obsidian from traveling merchants
Priests of Tlaloc listening to the entreaties of famers in need of rain
A group of traveling merchants waiting to be blessed by priests of Yacatecuhtli
Coztli nervously standing guard outside the temple of Xipetotec
A street festival with costumed dancers and poetry recitals
A group of slaves being lead to a temple where they will be sacrificed to please the gods

Quanoac
Nestled within the hills that separate the northern and southern jungles of Tlactoztlan, Quanoac is renown as the center of Tlactozotl artistry and commerce. Here, with easy access to natural resources and precious metals, artisans from across the lost valley set up their workshops and storefronts, selling to traveling merchants, minor nobles, and free commoners alike.

Common sights within Quanoac include:

A group of merchants engaged in a bidding war over a particularly spectacular work
Miners delivering cartloads of ore and semi-precious stones to the largest artisan houses
Women dyeing fabrics in an alley behind a shop
Children playing “the bartering game” in a public square
Young couples strolling through the city, dressed in fine new clothes for their weddings
Toothless beggars and street urchins begging for alms
Coztli collecting taxes from a newly arrived traveling merchant
Izatacli in deep discussion with artisans regarding talismans they need created
Commoners being whipped for purchasing or wearing clothing adorned with feathers

BoL Bestiary: Xotlatocazatl – Giant Centipedes Of Tlactoztlan

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!

Deep within the jungles of Tlactoztlan there are giant red and black centipedes, some measuring well over 4 feet long. These horrifying predators possess a deadly, necrotizing poison which continues to harm those it has afflicted for days after they have been bitten.

Xotlatocazatl, as they are called in Tlacuatl, live primarily on the floor of the jungle, nesting under stones and dead wood, as well as inside logs. They do occasionally climb high into the canopy in search of prey, and sometimes drop form branches to ambush unwary travelers.

Anyone bitten by a Xotlatocazatl must make a Tough Strength-based task check when the adrenaline of combat has cleared his or her system. Failure indicates that d3 of damage is dealt from the poison. Success results in only a single point of damage. Twenty-four hours later a new Strength-based task check, which will either be Tough (if the initial check failed) or Hard (if the initial check succeeded). Failure of this check again results in d3 damage, while success yields a single point of damage. This cycle continues every twenty-four hours, with the task check becoming progressively easier after a successful check (up to Moderate difficulty) or remaining at the difficulty level of the last successful check. Once a character has succeeded in four successive task checks the poison ceases to be damaging.

Damage done by Xotlatocazatl poison cannot be healed by any normal means until the poison has been purged from the victim’s system.

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 2
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d3 + poison
Defense: 1
Protection: d2-1 (chitinous hide)
Lifeblood: 8

BoL Foes: Eagle Knights & Jaguar Warriors

Eagle Knights & Jaguar Warriors (Cuauhtli and Ocelotli in Tlacuatl), though representing two distinct orders within Tlactoztol society, ultimately serve very similar roles and are often considered sides of the same coin both inside and outside the lost valley. These two groups are primarily comprised of older, accomplished soldiers of noble birth, though truly valiant or noteworthy commoners are occasionally elevated into their ranks. To attain true membership in either the Eagle Knights or the Jaguar Warriors, a warrior (regardless of supposed birthright) must have successfully taken no less than four significant opponents alive in battle.

Despite their efforts to claim certain additional rights and assert themselves within Tlactozotl politics, these two groups have no true authority of their own and function more as “open” secret societies or fraternal orders than as actual power blocs. This in no way diminishes their role during time of war, nor does it make any particular Eagle Knight or Jaguar Warrior less dangerous a foe.

Both Cuauhtli and Ocelotli forego the traditional yellow-feathered headdress worn by the Coztli (the warrior caste of Tlactoztlan) in favor of their own order’s preferred helmets, which resemble the heads of their respective avatars.

Essences
Lifeblood 12

Attributes
Strength 2
Agility 1
Mind 0
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 2
Ranged 1
Defense 0

Career
Soldier 2
Noble 1

Protection: 1d6-1 (quilted cotton armor & shield)
Weapons:
Macuahuitl (obsidian-toothed wooden swords) 1d6+3 (-1 to hit)
Atlatl (dart thrower) 1d6+1
Tepoztopilli (spear), 1d6+2

BoL Bestiary: Huecueyatl – The Giant Frogs of Tlactoztlan

Able to leap up to 40′, these enormous, boar-sized amphibians are scattered throughout the swamps of Tlactoztlan. Aggressive, vicious and utterly without fear, huecueyatl (as they are called in Tlacuatl) are ambush predators with large, round mouths that will attack anything that approaches their territory. Traveling priests report that several disparate vroups of villagers swear by the great Tlatoani that they have seen men with heads like huecueyatl deep with the marshes. It is unlikely, though, that these tlacueyatl, or frog-men, really exist.

Attributes
Strength 2
Agility 2
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6-1
Defense: 2
Protection: d3-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 13

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