Category Archives: Tlactoztlan

BoL Bestiary: The Bats of Tlactoztlan

Many different varieties of bats, collectively referred to as tzinacatli in Tlacuatl, are found throughout Tlactoztlan, ranging from the normal-sized to the truly gigantic. Below are stats for three different varieties, each of which can pose a significant threat to the unwary traveler.

Tzinacatliachitzin (Bat Swarm)

A swarm of twenty or more normal-sized bats, of the sort that might fly out of a cave and briefly trouble an unlucky adventurer. If three or more points of damage are inflicted on the swarm it will disperse and flee, but only 3-12 bats will actually have been killed.

Attributes
Strength -2
Agility 3
Mind -3

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +3; d3-1
Defense: 1
Protection: 0
Lifeblood: 3

Tzinacateztli (Giant Vampire Bat)

A large, carnivorous bat found in the deep jungle and occasionally in the mountains. These creatures often travel in small groups of 4-6, in search of food. The bite of this variety of bat is mildly poisonous, and anyone bitten by a giant vampire bat will suffer a -2 penalty to attack roles and move at half speed unless they succeed at a Tricky Strength-based task check. After two rounds the victim of a Giant Vampire Bat’s bite must make a second Tricky Strength-based task check or fall unconscious for d6 minutes. Giant Vampire Bats will drain d3 Lifeblood per minute from an unconscious victim if not driven away.

Attributes
Strength -1
Agility 3
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6-1
Defense: 2
Protection: 0
Lifeblood: 10

Tzinacatahualo (Giant Bat)

These enormous creatures are large enough to be ridden by a man, though they make for foul-tempered mounts. Anyone attempting to ride a Tzinacatahualo who does not have significant prior experience in dealing with these beasts must make regular Tough agility or ride checks to remain mounted and keep the Tzinacatahualo on the desired path.

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility 3
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6+1
Defense: 2
Protection: 1d3 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 20

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BoL Bestiary: The Crocodiles of Tlactoztlan

Crocodiles, as well as the fortunately very rare Giant Crocodile, are found throughout Tlactoztlan, in the swamps as well as along the banks of the many rivers and streams that crisscross the lost valley. Both varieties are quite aggressive and can be incredibly dangerous to anyone unlucky enough to encounter them unprepared. In addition to biting with their massive jaws, crocodiles are able to lash out with their powerful tails, knocking foes from their feet. Any character or creature stuck by a crocodile’s tail must succeed at a task check against strength (Hard for normal crocodiles, Demanding for giant crocodiles) or be knocked prone.

Crocodile

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility 1
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +1; 1d6+1
Attack with tail slash +0; 1d6 damage
Defense: 1
Protection: d3-1 (tough & scaly hide)
Lifeblood: 20

Giant Crocodile

Attributes
Strength 10
Agility 0
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; 2d6
Attack with tail slash +0; 2d6-1 damage
Defense: 0
Protection: d3 (tough & scaly hide)
Lifeblood: 40

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BoL Foes: Izatacli – The Sorcerers Of Tlactoztlan

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

The sorcerers of Tlactoztlan, when spoken of at all, are know by the appellation Izatacli, the white-headed ones. Like the white-crowned parrots whose feathers comprise their distinctive headdresses, Izatacli are aloof and distant from the world. As magicians, Izatacli are possessed of eldritch wisdom and the means to exert their wills over reality, a fact that makes them terrifying to the average Tlactozotl, and potentially terrible foes for those who are not consumed with fear. Izatacli seldom interact with Texotli or Coztli, preferring either the company of their own kind or else the solitude that allows them to pursue their magical studies more effectively.

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

Izatacli Rabble

An apprentice wizard, or perhaps a dabbler in the arcane arts.

Essences
Lifeblood 2
Arcane Power 3

Attributes
Strength -1
Agility 0
Mind 1
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 0
Ranged 0
Defense 0

Career
Sorcerer 0

Protection: 0 (no armor)
Weapons: Jade Monkey Dagger d3-1

Izatacli NPCs

A seer. A witch. A crazy old hermit. Or maybe an advisor to the King.

Essences
Lifeblood 7
Arcane Power 12

Attributes
Strength -1
Agility 1
Mind 2
Appeal 0

Combat Abilities
Brawl 0
Melee 0
Ranged 1
Defense 1

Career
Sorcerer 2

Protection: 0 (no armor)
Weapons: Jade Monkey Dagger 1d3-1

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Tlactoztlan: Towards A Map

Tlactoztlan 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 🙂

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BoL Character: Huetzin The Hermit

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!

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

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