Otepec, The Mountain Temple

Known for its elaborate stone temples, the city of Otepec stands in a high forest at the southern edge of the Sun Empire's lands. Though it is an ancient city, it has the feel of a frontier town, far from the heart of Civilization. This feeling is perhaps intensified by the current surge of interest in discorvering the golden city, since a number of Sun Empire explorers are using Otepec as a staging ground for their expeditions. Like Atzocan, Otepec is governed by a child of the emperor, his daughter Caztaca Huicintli. Caztaca is both wise and strong, and she is well loved by the people of her adoptive city. The noble families of Otepec are loyal to her - and thus to the emperor - forming a united front against the scheeming priesthood of the city.

Demographics

Located along the Great River as its winds thorugh the tallest mountains of the mainland, Otepec spreads from the riverbanks all the way to the top of the naieghboring mountain.

Government

Ruled by Caztaca Huicintli, daughter of the Emperor, the city's powerstructure is more complex than outsiders would first notice. Diplomacy is fickle and power is truly in the hands of the local nobles and the clergy of the mighty sun temples located throughout the city. Currently Caztaca holds poewr due to friendly relations to the noble families of the city, mainly the houses Acatl, Tecpatl and Cozcacuauhtli. The clergy is also moving along with their own agenda behind the scenes, whatever they want is unknown to most of the denizens of the city.

Defences

The city is naturally defended by the mountains and the river, so most attackers have to be adabtable or use alternative means to subdue the city. In most cases an attacking army would haev to be content siegeing the city for months if not years.

Industry & Trade

Mining is the primary industry as well as dinosaur trade, jungle delving and fishing.

Infrastructure

The city lies deep within the mountains and is easily defended from most threats. It was originally a mining settlement, and the heavy industry has kept going throughtout the years, making the city built strong and versatile. Cranes and lifts help supply the upper portions of the city with most nessecities, be it food and water or contruction materials to further improve the massive temple structures built into the mountain sides.

Assets

As the city is has a thriving mining economy, the city itself prduces lots of valuables, but most of it is sent to the capital, or is used to adorn the temples. An increasing garrison also means that storehouses full of weapons and equipment has had to be contructed during the last couple of years. The most vauluable assets lie within the clergy's hands, as relics from the empires past along with religious symbols are kept safe withing the temples.

Guilds and Factions

The city has many prominent families and figures here is a list of the prominent ones:

• House Intli: The imperial family and current rulers
• The Clergy: The priesthood of the Threefold Sun
• House Acatl: A wealthy merchant family who rose to power during the last decade
• House Coatl: A guild of soothsayers and monks, focused on reading the signs of the sun and land.
• House Cozcacauauhtli: the oldest and most prominent merchant family in the city. They have built their wealth on mining and later tourism.
• House Tecpatl: A warrior family that has aided the city defenses for centruries, the head of the family is also known as the Huntmaster of Otepec
• House of Carozê: This building fucntion as a guild queater for independt merchants as well as an Inn for weary travellers.

Natural Resources

• Silver
• Gems
• Aerosaur mounts

Notable Characters and locations:

• Caztaca Huicintli - Govenor of Otepec
• Zolin of the First Spire - High Priest of the Kinjalli
• Chihucatl of the Second Spire - High Priest of Ixalli
• Zuma of the Third Spire - High priestess of Tilonalli
• Xoma - merchant extraordinaire

• The High Market
• the Silver Ascend and the 100 plazas
• Arena of the Blood Sun
• The Temple plateau
• Temple of the Wellspring
• Temple of the Still Lake
• Temple of the Cascade

Alternative Name(s)

The Mountain Temple

Type

Large city

Population

60,000

Location under

The Great River

Owner/Ruler

Caztaca Huicintli

Ruling/Owning Rank

Governor

Owning Organization

The Sun Empire

Characters in Location

• Caztaca Huicintli