Macuahuitl

Macuahuitl

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow upon the ancient Aztec jungle. Mighty trees stretched towards the heavens, their thick foliage forming a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight, dappling the forest floor with pockets of light and shadow. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of chirping birds and buzzing insects filled the atmosphere.

Amidst this lush greenery, a solitary figure emerged, his presence both fierce and graceful. He was an Aztec eagle warrior, dressed in a vibrant feathered headdress that adorned his head like a majestic crown. His muscular form was clad in the intricate armor of an elite warrior, made of leather and adorned with motifs, symbolizing the strength and stealth he possessed.

The warrior's eyes were sharp and alert, scanning his surroundings with the instincts of a predator. He moved with uncanny speed and agility, his feet barely making a sound as they touched the ground, his steps a seamless blend of power and finesse. The jungle seemed to come alive with the rhythm of his movements.

As he ran, the warrior's senses heightened, attuned to every rustle of leaves and every distant sound. His keen perception allowed him to navigate the dense foliage with ease as if he were an extension of the jungle itself. Vines and branches that might have hindered others were swiftly avoided or cleverly used to propel himself forward.

His heart pounded in his chest, not just from the physical exertion but from the thrill of the hunt. The jungle was a realm of mystery and danger, but also a sacred place where he felt the spirits of his ancestors watching over him. With every stride, he connected to his heritage, more attuned to the spirits that guided him.

The warrior's ears caught the distant echo of a call, a rallying cry from his fellow warriors. Their hunting party was nearby, and the excitement in his veins surged. He quickened his pace, his feet carrying him faster, his lungs inhaling the humid air with determination. Through the foliage and underbrush, he raced.

Soon, he burst into the clearing where his comrades awaited. Their faces were painted with intricate patterns, and they greeted him with nods of approval. Without wasting a moment, he joined them in their purpose. They had a mission - to protect their people and their land from any threat that dared to intrude upon the land.

With a renewed sense of camaraderie, the Aztec eagle warrior led the charge, his fellow warriors following closely behind. Through the heart of the jungle, they ran as one, a blur of movement and determination, their war cries echoing through the dense forest.

This is war. This is…

Macuahuitl: Whitebox Roleplaying in the Aztec Empire

Welcome to the world of "Macuahuitl," an Aztec-themed tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) by Jon Torres (The Basic Expert) that immerses players in the vibrant and mystical civilization of the ancient Aztec Empire. The game is set in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where the three great cities of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan thrive amid lush jungles and soaring mountains.

Time Period:

The game is set during the peak of the Aztec civilization, which flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries. Players step into the roles of heroes and adventurers during this era of prosperity, before the arrival of European colonizers.

Geography:

The Aztec Empire is a vast and diverse land, stretching from the volcanic highlands to the tropical lowlands and coastal regions. The landscape includes dense rainforests, misty cloud forests, fertile valleys, and sprawling plains. The empire is built around several majestic city-states, each ruled by a powerful king and governed by a complex hierarchy of priests, nobles, and warriors.

1. Tenochtitlan: The grand capital of the Aztec Empire, sits on an island in Lake Texcoco. It is a marvel of engineering with causeways connecting it to the mainland. Temples, pyramids, and bustling markets dominate the city.
2. Texcoco: A major city-state located in the eastern part of the Aztec Empire, on the eastern shores of Lake Texcoco. It’s one of the three major partners in the Aztec Triple Alliance.
3. Tlacopan: The city’s strategic location on the western edge of Lake Texcoco, makes it an invaluable commercial hub. It’s also one of the three major partners in the Aztec Triple Alliance.

Classes

The Aztec civilization is characterized by its deeply religious and complex belief system. Worship of powerful deities like Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl, Tlaloc, and others plays a significant role in their daily lives. Rituals, festivals, and sacrifices are common, often to appease the gods or ensure prosperity. The society is strictly hierarchical, with the emperor at the top, followed by priests, nobles, warriors, traders, and commoners. Player characters are brave merchants, warriors, spies, or shamans hailing from diverse backgrounds within the Aztec Empire. They might be tasked with protecting the empire from internal and external threats, seeking lost treasures, exploring ancient ruins, or uncovering hidden secrets of their world. Slavery exists, and prisoners of war are often sacrificed in religious ceremonies. There are currently six playable classes representing Aztec culture.

1. Eagle Warrior: Warriors of the military order of the Aztec Empire.
2. Jaguar Warrior: Elite Warriors of the military order of the Aztec Empire.
3. Pochteca (Merchants): Pochteca serve a necessary and vital role in Aztec life as well as serving as spies.
4. Nahualli: Shamans who are essential intermediaries between the human and divine realms.
5. Otomi Mercenary: Warriors demanded for their prowess and experience.
6. Shorn One: Elite Warriors. Paladin-like characters.

Magic and Mysticism:

Magic and mysticism are woven into the fabric of Aztec society. Priests and shamans wield powerful spells, and the boundaries between the spirit world and the mortal realm are blurred. Spirits of nature, ancestors, and mythical creatures play vital roles in their mythology.

Gameplay

Macuahuitl is based on the original edition of the first dungeon-delving RPG. That edition used d6s for various mechanics, with d20s specifically for attack rolls. The game's mass combat rules also stemmed from a d6-based system. Most players and referees will require d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20 dice.

Challenges:

Players face various challenges, including rival city-states, mythical creatures, dangerous jungle expeditions, political intrigues, and supernatural threats. Additionally, the looming prophecy of an impending cataclysmic event adds urgency to their adventures.

Conclusion

I have been fortunate enough to playtest this game since its second session. I was supposed to play in the first but I took my daughter on a river rafting trip. The sessions have been electric, creative, and outrageously fun. I play Izel, a level three Eagle Warrior. During the last session, Izel scouted the location of a massive enemy war camp. Upon relaying this information to his camp another PC, a Nahualli transformed into an owl and confirmed Izel’s report. It was fantastic.

The initial runs of a new and untested game are often a mix of nerves and anticipation, as the Dm and players navigate the uncharted territory. We stumble, make mistakes, and encounter challenges, but with each misstep, we learn and grow. I have watched Macuahuitl grow into an amazing game that provides hours of immersion and fun.