Chiauxochitl (Pronounced Chi-ow-zosh-eetl) was once a mortal woman, a flower-gatherer by trade. This changed when the Empire in which she lived came under attack by strangers from across the seas. Hundreds died in their first attacks, the fires reaching to the heavens. Her people appealed to all the gods for aid, and were promised deliverance if one of their number was offered up. The people of the empire were vexed mightily, and those who wished to aid put their names forth. Many mighty warriors were entered into the lottery, as well as one humble flower-gatherer who just wished to help.
She was selected to be the vessel of the immortal Red Empress, and her skin split and sloughed off, transforming her into the horrifying spirit which still protects the Empire of Tochtonal to this day. The next time the invaders came raiding, the Red Empress allowed them to push forward into a grand square before her palace-pyramid, and there she descended upon them. Plaques speak of the barbarity and violence of this day, centuries gone. They say that four rivers ran red with the blood she spilled, and the invaders howled and begged for mercy, but received none. Not a one of their thousand still breathed when the sun set, and she retired to her throne. Now, none dare rouse her from her slumber, but she dresses to wander the markets and look upon her people on one day each year. They celebrate this day with flowers and skulls, to placate her rage and to reassure her that the enemies of Tochtonal are no more. Statistics: The Red Empress is a deity's vengeful avatar given form, with the statistics of a Neutral Evil-aligned Planetar. She retains all of the aligned abilities and powers, but dwells in the form of a human body at all times. She is horrifying to gaze upon, a repulsive but noble cast to her features and dress, but her body constantly oozes sticky blood from its surface. Her form has grown skeletal, but she dresses still in the finery as befitting her station. How you can use the Red Empress as part of your game: - On entering the Empire of Tochtonal, outsiders may notice the skulls of enemies used as decoration on city streets and buildings. While ghastly, locals may explain that this practice staves off the wrath of their Empress, and stops her slaughtering all who enter their lands. This is why they can now trade with others peacefully. - PCs might be asked to bring forth an outsider who has harmed citizens of the Empire unjustly, perhaps stealing royal treasures of the court. This lawbreaker is to be imprisoned until the Red Day of the Empress, when she will grace the people with her presence and punish the criminal. - If your PCs happen to be competing with other outsiders for some treasure of the Empire, they may accidentally call down the Red Empress' wrath upon all of them, until they can explain their opposition to the others. Nevertheless, her vengeance is mighty to behold, and indiscriminate in its violence. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 8 August 2019. Comments are closed.
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