Tikal
Tikal is the capital city of Tolec and is built into a natural valley deep within the jungle.
The cityscape is dominated by the 4 large pyramids surrounding the valley. The largest is the Pyramid of the Obsidian Crown on the East, the entree-way to the Obsidian Palace where dwell the royal court and the Cent family. Th e Obsidian palace is a massive structure, roughly the size of Versaille for a real world analogue, and has beautiful jungle gardens in the back, walled off and patrolled by guards.
The second largest is the Temple of the Serpent, to the North. This is the temple of Tohil, which features a long staircase at the foot of which is a huge statue of the Serpent's head, and on the summer solstice the shadows of the structures along the staircase look as if the serpent is descending the temple steps.
The other two are the same size, the Western pyramid is the Temple of the Zenith and has a large flat top atop which is a smaller glass pyramid, covered in stained glass - this building is the temple of the Zenith.
The final, Southern pyramid is the Temple of the End, dedicated to the Lord of Crows - another aspect of the Raven Queen.
The cityscape is dominated by the 4 large pyramids surrounding the valley. The largest is the Pyramid of the Obsidian Crown on the East, the entree-way to the Obsidian Palace where dwell the royal court and the Cent family. Th e Obsidian palace is a massive structure, roughly the size of Versaille for a real world analogue, and has beautiful jungle gardens in the back, walled off and patrolled by guards.
The second largest is the Temple of the Serpent, to the North. This is the temple of Tohil, which features a long staircase at the foot of which is a huge statue of the Serpent's head, and on the summer solstice the shadows of the structures along the staircase look as if the serpent is descending the temple steps.
The other two are the same size, the Western pyramid is the Temple of the Zenith and has a large flat top atop which is a smaller glass pyramid, covered in stained glass - this building is the temple of the Zenith.
The final, Southern pyramid is the Temple of the End, dedicated to the Lord of Crows - another aspect of the Raven Queen.
Demographics
Largely human, Tabaxi, Moon Elves and Half Elves as well as halflings.
Government
Strict Monarchy
Defences
Within each district are 5 guard houses, each containing a contingent of Blood Hunters, one of each is a tall spire that can see for miles around and communicate with the others via a system of mirrors and signals.
There is also an underground moat of magma surrounding the city, and the land above it can be collapsed to form a defense of the city at need.
Industry & Trade
Obsidian and fine art crafts and weapons are the primary offerings of Xbalanke for export, and of course, artisans and performers and mercenary warriors.
Infrastructure
There are no roads, only footpaths, and the majority of the city lies within the valley and the surrounding hills, with only the outlying districts spilling out into the surrounding jungle.
Districts
City Square - bordered by the temples, the city square is massive and includes the markets, smaller temples and guard barracks. The jail lies underneath the barracks. also in the city square is a natural auditorium for song and dance performances, and there is almost always at least one going on.
The Farmer's district - to the south of the valley, this is where produce and food goods are sold.
The Warrior's District lies to the East of the valley, and includes the training grounds for soldiers, guards and Blood Hunters, though the Blood Hunter's hall is behind walls, enclosing a large patch of jungle.
The Residential district lies to the west and north of the valley. On the outskirts of the residential district is where people practice the more residential trades as well. There are few smiths that work with iron in this city - far more common are the Obsidian Cutters and jewelsmiths.
Guilds and Factions
The Beggar Clan
Obsidian Cutter's guild
Blood Hunters of the Panthera
The Claws of War - a collective of Tabaxi who wish to push the country on to further acts of war and expansion.
Cult of the Beast
Temple of Tohil
Temple of the Zenith
Temple of the End
Points of interest
The city center is a major attraction for visitors, as is the beauty of the temple of the Zenith and the views of the palace from the outside, and to those of high enough rank, the interior of the palace is said to be one of the great wonders of the world.
Tourism
People come from around the continent to see the performances in the city square and to shop for the fine weapons and jewels made by the smiths.
Architecture
Ornate mayan design mixed with more curved postmodern shapes with mesoamerican decorations.
Natural Resources
Obsidian, precious metals, lumber, stone, lava, wild game.
Founding Date
Storm: 34
Type
Capital
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
Comments