Mixcoatl

Mixcoatl is a storied kingdom located north of Eden, nestled within the expansive and perilous Great Fire Jungle. Renowned for its warrior culture, hierarchical society, and deep spiritual traditions, Mixcoatl has endured centuries of conflict and transformation to become a land defined by resilience and martial excellence.

Structure

The societal structure of Mixcoatl tribes is deeply hierarchical, rooted in their warrior culture and a strong devotion to their pantheon of gods. The tribal organization is divided into three primary tiers: Houses, Clans, and Families. Each tier plays a distinct role in the governance, defense, and cultural identity of Mixcoatl society.

Houses

Houses are the highest level of tribal organization in Mixcoatl society. These entities are larger, more powerful Clans that unify smaller Clans under their protection and guidance. Each House pledges allegiance to a specific major god, becoming the sole representative of that deity's favor. This exclusivity limits the number of Houses to the number of major gods in the Mixcoatl pantheon.

The divine connection of Houses grants them immense prestige, and they often engage in wars of favor to win or maintain the blessings of their chosen god. Such conflicts are central to Mixcoatl politics, as the favor of a god can bolster a House's influence both spiritually and politically.

In Mixcoatl politics, Houses often rise to prominence as regents or rulers, dominating governance and wielding control over the kingdom’s affairs. Their central role in politics underscores their status as the most influential entities in Mixcoatl society.

Clans

Clans form the second tier of the tribal hierarchy. They consist of multiple Families unified under a single banner, often bound by shared ancestry, territory, or purpose. Clans serve as vital operational units, managing resources, defense, and local governance for their member Families.

Clans are typically aligned with a House, benefiting from the House’s protection and divine patronage. Despite this affiliation, Clans retain considerable autonomy, often acting as key players in regional disputes and forging their own alliances or rivalries with other Clans.

Families

Families are the foundational units of Mixcoatl society, comprising individuals connected by bloodline and sharing a common surname. They are responsible for maintaining their traditions, ensuring the welfare of their members, and upholding their lineage.

Though smaller in scale, Families play a crucial role in Mixcoatl society by providing warriors, artisans, and leaders to their affiliated Clan. Through these contributions, Families strengthen the overall structure of their Clan and, by extension, the House to which they belong.

Culture

The society of Mixcoatl is deeply rooted in tradition, honor, and a warrior ethos that permeates every aspect of life. Structured around hierarchical systems of Houses, Clans, and Families, Mixcoatli culture thrives on competition, loyalty, and the pursuit of excellence. Their way of life is shaped by a blend of ancient customs, spiritual devotion, and adaptability, creating a civilization known for its strength and resilience.

Weapons play a central role in Mixcoatli society, serving not only as tools of war but also as symbols of status, heritage, and devotion. Each weapon is seen as an extension of its wielder’s soul, and the craftsmanship of a blade or bow is regarded as a deeply personal and sacred endeavor. Weapons are often engraved with the sigils of Clans or the names of gods, transforming them into vessels of spiritual significance.

The Mixcoatli place a strong emphasis on honor, loyalty, and martial skill. From a young age, children are taught the art of combat, the forging of weapons, and the history of their people, fostering a deep sense of identity and purpose. Weapon training is a rite of passage, with a young warrior’s first blade being a symbol of their maturity and readiness to serve their Family, Clan, and House.

Mixcoatli religion intertwines seamlessly with their warrior culture. Their pantheon of gods represents aspects of existence such as war, harvest, or the sun, and many deities are associated with specific weapons or combat styles. For instance, the Sun God is believed to wield a radiant spear, symbolizing the piercing light that guides warriors in battle. Rituals often involve the consecration of weapons, and offerings of finely crafted arms are made to ensure divine favor in both battle and life.

The warrior ethos of Mixcoatl is not merely a cultural ideal but a practical necessity. With a history of conflict, from the Bay War to the Clan Wars, the people of Mixcoatl have long relied on their combat prowess and strategic acumen to survive and thrive. This has led to the rise of artisan warriors, where the crafting and wielding of weapons are elevated to an art form. Master craftsmen and skilled fighters are held in the highest regard, with their creations and deeds becoming the stuff of legend.

In Mixcoatl, a weapon is never just a weapon—it is a legacy, a prayer, and a testament to the enduring strength of their people.

Politics and Governance

The regency of Mixcoatl traditionally resides with the most dominant House, which serves as the de facto ruling body. Regents are expected to lead with strength and wisdom, maintaining the delicate balance of power among Houses and Clans. However, this position is often contested, leading to periods of instability and conflict, such as the Clan Wars and the later Edenian Civil War.

While the regent holds ultimate authority, governance in Mixcoatl is highly decentralized. Provinces and territories are administered by Clans, which are granted autonomy to manage their affairs, provided they remain loyal to the ruling House.

Assets

Mixcoatl's economy is diverse and robust, drawing on the rich natural resources of their homeland. The Great Fire Jungle and Costa Alta provide timber, exotic fruits, and spices, while the Fire Bay supports a thriving fishing industry. Skilled artisans craft weapons, tools, and jewelry, often traded with neighboring kingdoms.

Clans often specialize in specific industries or crafts, creating a competitive but interdependent economy. Trade routes and markets are highly regulated by Houses, ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed in alignment with their interests.

History

Mixcoatl traces its origins to Legacya, where its people were among the earliest settlers of the now nearly extinct Wild Jungle. Originally a tribal society, the Mixcoatli are often regarded as the first of their kind in the region. Following the Fall of the Barrier, they migrated northwest, settling in the Great Fire Jungle. Over time, they expanded their territory, reaching the coast and naming it Costa Alta, while also claiming the Fire Bay.

Edenian interest in the Fire Bay led to conflict, culminating in the Bay War. The Mixcoatli, already weakened by internal tribal disputes, struggled to mount a unified defense. Eden emerged victorious, seizing Costa Alta and the Fire Bay. To solidify their control and prevent retaliation, Eden established the city of Indira along the Fire River, further marginalizing Mixcoatli influence in the region.

In response to these defeats, Mixcoatl transitioned from a tribal to a clan-based society, where powerful families vied for dominance. Initially unified under the Vanteri Tribe, this order collapsed two years after the Bay War, when the Ludo Clan rose to power, dismantling the Vanteri hegemony. The ensuing chaos saw frequent shifts in power until House Pillio emerged as the unifying force, establishing a monarchy and centralizing authority in Mixcoatl.

During the reign of House Pillio, the exiled Soneris family from Meridian sought refuge in Mixcoatl. Over time, the Soneris formed their own clan, eventually overthrowing the increasingly autocratic House Pillio. House Soneris assumed leadership, ushering in a new era for Mixcoatl. This era would reach its zenith through the union of Princess Aliana Soneris of Mixcoatl and King Umv16Uli of Eden. Their marriage not only symbolized the end of hostilities between the two great powers but also marked the creation of the Concordia Empire.

The Concordia Empire, forged by the union of two powerful dynasties, became the largest and most dominant empire of its time. Mixcoatl retained its distinct warrior culture under the empire, benefiting from a high degree of provincial autonomy. The empire also heralded the birth of Nervall, a figure who would profoundly influence its future.

Following Nervall’s expedition to the Nether, power passed to his uncle Lennin, who dissolved the Concordia Council and declared himself Supreme Emperor. This centralization of power outraged the empire’s provinces, particularly Mixcoatl. Alongside Vulcana, Mixcoatl spearheaded a secessionist movement during the Edenian Civil War. After years of conflict, Mixcoatl regained its independence, marking the end of Concordia's dominion over the region.

The Clan Wars of Mixcoatl

The Clan Wars were a defining series of conflicts in Mixcoatli history, shaping the kingdom’s political and cultural trajectory for centuries. These wars, rooted in the fierce competition between Houses and Clans for power and divine favor, spanned generations and left a lasting mark on the warrior society of Mixcoatl.

Origins and the Rise of House Ludo

The Clan Wars began around 13 ABF during the reign of the Vanteri Tribe, which held regency over Mixcoatl. The Vanteri were powerful but faced growing dissent from rival Houses and Clans. This discontent culminated in the Bay War, during which the Vanteri’s authority was challenged by internal power struggles.

House Ludo emerged as the first major challenger to Vanteri dominance. Through strategic alliances and decisive victories, the Ludos overthrew the Vanteri and established themselves as regents. However, their ascent triggered a broader conflict as other Houses and Clans sought to capitalize on the power vacuum, sparking the first phase of the Clan Wars.

The First Clan Wars (13–33 ABF)

The initial phase of the Clan Wars, lasting two decades, was marked by unrelenting battles among Houses and Clans, particularly Vanteri, Ludo, and Pillio. These conflicts devastated Mixcoatl, with territories laid to waste and allegiances shifting rapidly as factions vied for dominance. The fighting culminated in 33 ABF, but rather than establishing a clear victor, it left Mixcoatl fragmented into multiple warring states.

For nearly 300 years, this fragmented state persisted, with smaller wars and skirmishes erupting frequently among the Houses. No single faction could unify Mixcoatl, as the balance of power continually shifted. During this period of division, Houses focused on strengthening their individual territories, building alliances, and seeking dominance over their rivals.

The Rise of House Pillio (497 ABF)

Amid the chaos, House Pillio began to emerge as a dominant force. Known for their military prowess and strategic acumen, they gradually extended their influence over neighboring territories through both diplomacy and conquest. By 497 ABF, House Pillio had successfully unified Mixcoatl, ending centuries of fragmentation and reestablishing a centralized monarchy.

Under their leadership, Mixcoatl experienced a period of relative stability and growth. House Pillio's strong governance and efficient military suppressed insurgencies and fostered economic development, restoring the kingdom’s strength. Their rule lasted for nearly 200 years, during which they maintained control through a combination of force, alliances, and religious patronage.

The Arrival of House Soneris

In 506 ABF, an event occurred that would fundamentally alter Mixcoatl’s political landscape. House Soneris, a wealthy and influential family exiled from Meridian due to accusations of treason during the Sun Empire War, arrived in Mixcoatl. Their beliefs, centered on a sun god similar to that revered in Mixcoatl, allowed them to integrate into the kingdom’s religious framework.

Over the next years, House Soneris grew in power. They founded a Sun-adorned Clan, absorbing the previously dominant Sun-worshipping House and becoming one of the most influential factions in Mixcoatl. Their rise was fueled by their wealth, strategic marriages, and religious influence, which garnered widespread support.

The Second Clan War (550–650 ABF)

By the mid-6th century ABF, House Pillio’s rule had become increasingly autocratic, alienating many Clans and Houses. This discontent culminated in the Second Clan War, initiated by House Soneris, who sought to depose the Pillios and claim regency.

The war raged for 100 years, a protracted conflict that tested the resilience and adaptability of Mixcoatl society. Battles were fought with unrelenting intensity, and alliances shifted frequently as Clans sought to align themselves with the winning side. House Soneris leveraged its religious influence and military strength to rally support, while the Pillios clung to their entrenched power.

Ultimately, House Soneris emerged triumphant, overthrowing House Pillio and establishing themselves as regents of Mixcoatl. Their victory marked the end of the Second Clan War and heralded a new era of governance.

The War of Vulcana and Mixcoatl

The War of Vulcana and Mixcoatl arose during a period of profound instability for the Concordia Empire. The disappearance of Prince Nervall during his fateful Nether expedition left a vacuum of leadership, destabilizing Concordia’s central government. This instability reverberated through the provinces, especially in Mixcoatl, where the disappearance of the empire's unifying figure triggered a power struggle.

Mixcoatl’s intricate clan-based society erupted into another Clan War, as the absence of Nervall reignited long-simmering rivalries among the major Houses. The war saw fierce competition for dominance, culminating in the rise of House D’acre, a once-moderate but ambitious faction that leveraged the disarray to unify the Mixcoatli clans under its banner. House Soneris, traditionally the most influential House, was outmaneuvered during this conflict, with House D’acre emerging as the dominant force.

Once consolidated, House D’acre spearheaded Mixcoatl’s rebellion against Concordia, allying with Vulcana, which sought to protect its industrial independence. Mixcoatl’s warrior clans, led by House D’acre, mounted a coordinated and devastating campaign against Concordian forces. The alliance between Mixcoatl’s unmatched martial expertise and Vulcana’s industrial might became a nightmare for Concordia, which was already weakened by Lennin’s increasingly autocratic rule and the dissolution of the Concordia Council.

Key battles included the Reclamation of Costa Alta, where Mixcoatli forces reclaimed their ancestral coastal territory, and the Battle of Iron Pass, a turning point in which the Vulcana-Mixcoatl coalition decisively defeated a Concordian army attempting to regain control over the Fire Jungle region.

Mythology & Lore

The Legend of the Mixcoatl

The title of Mixcoatl has long symbolized strength, leadership, and destiny among the warrior clans of Mixcoatl. More than just a ruler, a Mixcoatl is a figure of legend—one who rises in times of crisis to unify the warring factions or lead the kingdom through its greatest challenges. Not every ruler of Mixcoatl has borne the title, only those whose deeds have carved their names into history.

Mixcoatl the First: The Unifier of the Tribes

Before the clans of Mixcoatl had a name, they were a collection of warrior tribes in the Wild Jungle of Eden, living by the law of strength and survival. For generations, they waged war against each other, but as the Kingdom of Cordovaexpanded its reach, a leader arose to unite them: Mixcoatl the First.

He was a warrior of unmatched prowess, but it was not his strength alone that won him loyalty—it was his ability to lead. He forged the disparate clans into a single warband, creating an army capable of resisting Cordova’s incursions. Under his leadership, the tribes fought as one, dealing the kingdom its first true defeats.

Mixcoatl the First held his title until his death, passing naturally two years before the Barrier of Eden fell. With his passing, the tribes fractured once more, but their shared battles had created a culture of warriors with a common identity, one that would endure even as they scattered.

The Journey to Aztlán

With the fall of the Barrier, the warrior clans expanded beyond Eden, discovering Costa Alta and settling its shores. But they were never a people content to remain idle. Their warriors continued pushing inland, deeper into the unknown jungles.

Then came the night of the Stormfire Omen. A thunderstorm raged through the land, and a single bolt of lightning struck the jungle, igniting a fire that tore through the trees in a blazing path. The clans did not flee; they followed. The flames led them to a great clearing, a fertile plain where the jungle had been burned away. The elders saw it as the fulfillment of the Legend of Aztlán, an ancient prophecy of a promised land. There, they built their first great city, naming it Aztlán, after the legend that had guided them.

The Clan Wars and Mixcoatl the Great

Though Aztlán stood, unity among the clans was fleeting. Old rivalries resurfaced, and soon, Mixcoatl was torn apart by the First Clan Wars. Blood was spilled not against outsiders, but among brothers, as Houses and Clans vied for power.

From the chaos rose Mixcoatl the Great. A warrior and tactician beyond compare, he saw that Mixcoatl’s survival depended on unity. Through battle and diplomacy, he brought the warring factions under his command, forging the warrior clans into a kingdom. It was in his honor that they took the name Mixcoatl, not just as a title, but as a people.

The Second Clan War and Mixcoatl the Fiery

Centuries later, Mixcoatl faced another period of devastation—the Second Clan War. It began when House Soneris, once exiled from the Sun Empire, rose to power within Mixcoatl. Their growing influence threatened the ruling House Pillio, which had maintained control for nearly two centuries. Resentment boiled over into war, as Clans and Houses took sides in the brutal struggle for dominance.

For 100 years, the conflict raged. Cities burned, alliances shifted, and the kingdom teetered on the brink of collapse. It was in this chaos that a leader emerged from House Soneris—a warrior who would come to be known as Mixcoatl the Fiery.

Born into war, he was a relentless commander and a warrior without equal. His mere presence on the battlefield could turn the tide of battle, and his fury in combat earned him his name. But his true strength lay in his vision; he saw beyond the feuds of the Clans, understanding that Mixcoatl could not afford another century of division.

Over two decades, he waged a ruthless campaign to end the war. One by one, he crushed his enemies—breaking the last remnants of House Pillio’s power in a final, decisive battle outside Aztlán. In 650 ABF, he emerged victorious, standing alone as the ruler of Mixcoatl.

The Legacy of the Mixcoatls

Though Mixcoatl the Fiery ended the Second Clan War, his reign was far from peaceful. He spent the rest of his life ensuring the war would never happen again, strengthening the kingdom’s military and solidifying the power of the warrior clans under a single banner. His rule reshaped Mixcoatl, preparing it for the challenges to come.

Since his passing, no ruler has claimed the title of Mixcoatl. Some believe the era of warrior-kings has ended, that the time for a new kind of leadership has come. Others whisper of a new name, a leader waiting for the right moment to rise—Nervall.

A warrior of both Edenian and Mixcoatli blood, bearing the legacy of House Soneris, many see him as the heir to Mixcoatl the Fiery. Whether he will claim the title remains uncertain, but one thing is known: when the fires of destiny burn once more, the next Mixcoatl will rise.

Ihíio, Itlátol

Founding Date

2 ABF

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Demonym

Mixcoatli