A Dangerous Foe: Tlilpotonqui

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!

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

Languages
Tlacuatl

Equipment
Jade Parrot Mace, 1d6+1
Obsidian Monkey Knife, 1d3+1
Very light armor (black feathered cloak) 1d3-1

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0 thoughts on “A Dangerous Foe: Tlilpotonqui

    1. the venomous pao Post author

      Yo, G! (sorry, I just had to do that:)) Glad you’re digging the Tlactoztlan, amigo.

      I envision Tlilpotonqui casting some low-end necromantic type spells, mostly. A little “drain life” here, a little “raise zombie” there. Nothing too over-the-top. But whatever he does, it should definitely be death-focused. Omacatl would be a little disappointed in his high priest if he were to start throwing around spells to make the crops grow or the springs flow. That’s just not his schtick, after all.

      1. G-Man

        Yeah, “ensure plentiful rain fall” might be realistic in it’s own way, but it’s not pulp, baby!

        I was thinking more like “a Hundred Shards of Obisidian Night” (damage spell), or even better, “Viper’s Breath of Xicotl,” wherein the caster’s face becomes momentarily disfigured and he vomits purple spumes of poisonous gas (second rank damage spell) . . .

        1. the venomous pao Post author

          Brilliant names and ideas, my friend! But as you note, they might be a touch over-the-top for this guy. But for the evil “capital S” sorcerer I’ll be rolling out shortly, they’re perfect. Well done, you!

  1. Goblinkin

    Loving the new setting, Pao.
    In response to spells for this tough Son of a Bitch – why not some sort of summoning ability?
    Perhaps a third or second level spell that allows him to call 1d4+1 giant jaguars to do his bidding?

    1. the venomous pao Post author

      “A Feast for the Sacred Ocelotl” – check. Good idea, my man!

      Also, glad you’re enjoying the new setting 🙂

  2. Goblinkin

    Hmmmmm, I reckon the teachings of Omacatl would feature “the strong shall rule the weak” pretty heavily.
    I don’t know about you, but I have horrid visions of old mate Tlilpotonqui “sporting” on the temple lands by hunting unwanted guests and trespassers with his cadre of guards.
    Peddlers and lost passers-by could easily find themselves fair game amid the sticky vines and trees

    1. the venomous pao Post author

      Absolutely! That makes a great first thing to happen to the heroes when the stumble into Tlactoztlan. Hit the ground running, in more ways than one. Though they should be fêted and plied with hallucinogenic beverages before they are taken into the jungle for sport (or to feed the sacred Ocelotli)…

      This kind of thing is definitely what I had in mind for Tlilpotonqui. In fact, the original write-up had his cravings listed simply as “Things best not discussed in polite company.”

      To that end, you can be sure that the assorted villagers of Tlactoztlan have a shortage of virgins, given the high demand for them from certain quarters…

      And now I’ve creeped myself out a bit 🙂

  3. Pingback: BoL Foes: Texotli – The Priests Of Tlactoztlan | Strange Stones