In the heart of the Aztec Empire, beneath the shadow of the Great Temple, a horror beyond imagination unfolds. As Conquistadors under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, you are thrust into a world of blood-soaked rituals and ancient gods, where the line between man and monster blurs. The Aztecs, a civilization of unparalleled sophistication and unspeakable cruelty, stand in your path. Will you succumb to the terror of the bloodied temples, or will you rise to become the beacon of faith amidst the darkness? In “Alvarado’s Crucible: Shadows of Tenochtitlán”, the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. The time for heroism is now. Will you seize the moment, or will you become another sacrifice to the Aztec gods? The choice is yours.
Alvarado's Crucible: Shadows of Tenochtitlán, 1520
The Aztecs, a civilization of unparalleled sophistication and unspeakable cruelty, stand in your path.
In the year 1520, the New World is a place of wonder and terror, a land where ancient empires hold sway and the echoes of forgotten gods still linger. As Conquistadors under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, you have journeyed across the vast ocean, driven by a thirst for gold, glory, and the promise of souls to be saved. Your destination: the heart of the Aztec Empire, the grand city of Tenochtitlán, a marvel of engineering and a testament to the power and sophistication of its people. Yet beneath its gilded façade, a darkness festers, a horror that defies the laws of God and man.
The Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, a towering edifice that pierces the sky, is the epicenter of this darkness. Here, the Aztecs, in their devotion to their insatiable gods, commit acts of unspeakable cruelty. Blood-soaked rituals of sacrifice are carried out in the open, a testament to the Aztecs’ belief in the cycle of death and rebirth. As men of faith and soldiers of the Crown, you are tasked with a mission that will test your courage, your resolve, and your very sanity.
“Alvarado’s Crucible: Shadows of Tenochtitlán” is not for the faint of heart. It is an adventure steeped in blood and shadow, a journey into the heart of darkness itself. As you navigate the labyrinthine streets of Tenochtitlán, confront the horrors of the Great Temple, and face the wrath of a people fiercely protective of their gods, you will come to understand the true cost of conquest.
Yet, amidst the horror, there is hope. Your faith is your shield, your courage your sword. In the face of darkness, you carry the light of Christianity, a beacon that has the power to pierce the shadows. The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. The time for heroism is now. Will you seize the moment, or will you become another sacrifice to the Aztec gods? The choice is yours. Welcome to “Alvarado’s Crucible: Shadows of Tenochtitlán”.
Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés, a Spanish Conquistador, is known for his expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire. His journey to Mexico began in 1519, and by 1521, he had managed to conquer the Aztecs, a feat that significantly changed the course of history.
Cortés’s conversion of the Aztecs to Christianity was a complex and multifaceted process. The Aztecs had their own religious beliefs and practices, many of which were deeply ingrained in their culture and daily life. Their pantheon was vast, with gods representing various elements of nature and human endeavor. The most important of these deities was Huitzilopochtli, the sun god and the god of war.
One of the most controversial aspects of Aztec religion was human sacrifice, which was performed on a large scale. The Aztecs believed that the gods required nourishment in the form of human hearts and blood. This belief led to the ritual sacrifice of thousands of people each year, often prisoners of war, but sometimes volunteers and even children. These sacrifices were usually conducted at the Templo Mayor, the main temple in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán.
Cortés and his men were horrified by these practices. From their perspective, the Aztecs were engaging in barbaric and devilish rites. Cortés saw it as his mission not only to conquer the Aztecs but also to convert them to Christianity and put an end to their religious practices, which he viewed as abhorrent.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 1520 during the festival of Toxcatl, one of the most important Aztec religious festivals. Cortés, fearing an uprising, ordered a preemptive strike. His men stormed the Templo Mayor and massacred the Aztec nobility and priests who were participating in the festival. This event, known as the Massacre in the Great Temple, was a turning point in the Spanish-Aztec relations, leading to open warfare. After the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521, Cortés took further steps to eradicate the Aztec religion. He ordered the destruction of the Templo Mayor and other Aztec temples. In their place, he built Christian churches, with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City standing on the site of the former Templo Mayor.
ADVENTURE!
Card 1: Arrival at Tenochtitlán
Setting: The grand city of Tenochtitlán, 1520 AD, a marvel of Aztec engineering and culture.
As Rodrigo de Borgia and his band of Conquistadors first lay eyes on the city of Tenochtitlán, they are struck by its breathtaking beauty. Nestled in the heart of a vast lake, the city appears to float on water, its white temples gleaming in the sun, a testament to the Aztecs’ architectural prowess. Canals crisscross the city, while causeways lead to the mainland, a sight reminiscent of the fabled city of Venice. The city is a bustling hub of activity, with markets overflowing with a cornucopia of goods, from vibrant textiles and intricate goldwork to a myriad of exotic fruits and vegetables. The air is filled with the sounds of bartering, the aroma of cooking food, and the rhythmic beat of drums in the distance.
Obstacle 1: Navigating the City (Pie +2)
The city is a labyrinth of canals and causeways, a testament to the Aztecs’ engineering prowess but a daunting challenge for newcomers. The Conquistadors must navigate through this maze, avoiding drawing attention to themselves while seeking information about the Aztec’s religious practices.
Players must make a navigation check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully navigate through the city. On failure, the group risks exposure and must try again.
Obstacle 2: Gathering Information (Tricky -4)
The Conquistadors must gather information about the Aztec’s religious practices and the location of the Great Temple. However, they must do so subtly, without arousing suspicion or hostility from the Aztecs.
Players must make a social interaction check (Aim 11, Tricky -4) to gather information without drawing attention to themselves. On failure, the players may arouse suspicion or hostility from the Aztecs and must try again.
Card 2: The Undercurrents of Tenochtitlán (Aim 12)
Setting: The heart of Tenochtitlán, 1520 AD, amidst the grandeur of Aztec civilization.
As Rodrigo de Borgia and his Conquistadors delve deeper into the city, they begin to sense an undercurrent of tension beneath the surface of this Eden-like utopia. The grandeur of the city and the sophistication of its inhabitants continue to impress them, but they can’t shake off a sense of unease.
Obstacle 1: Unsettling Discoveries (Pie +2)
The Conquistadors come across signs of the Aztecs’ sacrificial rituals. They find altars stained with old blood, and hear whispers of prisoners taken for the gods. These discoveries are unsettling, hinting at the darker side of the Aztec religion.
Players must make a perception check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to notice these signs and gather information. On failure, they miss these clues and remain oblivious to the impending horrors.
Obstacle 2: Rising Suspicion (Tricky -4)
As foreigners in a complex society, the Conquistadors must tread carefully to avoid arousing suspicion. Their questions about the Aztec religion and their interest in the temples have not gone unnoticed.
Players must make a charisma check (Aim 11, Tricky -4) to deflect suspicion and maintain their cover. On failure, they arouse suspicion among the Aztecs, making their mission more difficult.
Card 3: The Horrors of the Great Temple (Aim 12)
Setting: The Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, 1520 AD, the heart of the Aztec religious practices.
As Rodrigo de Borgia and his Conquistadors infiltrate the Great Temple, they are confronted with the horrifying reality of the Aztec religion. The grandeur of the temple, a marvel of architecture and engineering, stands in stark contrast to the gruesome rituals that take place within its walls.
Obstacle 1: Witnessing the Sacrifice (Pie +2)
The Conquistadors find themselves witnessing a full sacrificial ritual in progress. The ritual takes place atop the pyramid of the Great Temple, a place of honor and reverence in the Aztec society. The victim, a young captive chosen for his physical perfection, is led up the steep steps of the pyramid by a group of priests. The priests are adorned in ceremonial attire, their bodies painted in vibrant colors and their heads adorned with elaborate headdresses.
The Conquistadors, hidden among the crowd, watch in horror. They must make a constitution check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to keep their composure and remain undetected. On failure, they risk revealing their presence and must quickly find a place to hide.
Obstacle 2: The Chamber of Horrors (Tricky -4)
The Conquistadors discover a chamber filled with the remains of previous sacrifices. The sight is horrifying, with skulls and bones piled high, and the air filled with the stench of death. They must navigate through the chamber without leaving any trace of their presence.
Players must make a stealth check (Aim 11, Tricky -4) to move silently and avoid alerting the temple guards. On failure, they trigger an alarm and must quickly find a way to escape.
Card 4: The Confrontation
Setting: The Great Temple, Tenochtitlán, 1520 AD, amidst the sacrificial rituals
they cannot stand by and allow these atrocities to continue. They decide to confront the Aztecs, aiming to put an end to the sacrificial rituals and convert the Aztecs to Christianity. The Conquistadors know that this confrontation could lead to a violent clash, but they are prepared to fight for their beliefs and the lives of the innocent victims.
Obstacle 1: Confronting the Aztec Priests (Pie +2)
The Conquistadors approach the Aztec priests, their determination evident in their hardened expressions. The priests, taken aback by the audacity of these foreigners, react with hostility. The Conquistadors must use their diplomacy and strength of conviction to convince the priests to abandon their sacrificial rituals.
They must make a charisma check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully persuade the priests. On failure, the priests call for the guards, and the Conquistadors must prepare for a fight
Obstacle 2: Battling the Aztec Warriors (Pie +3)
The confrontation with the priests escalates, and the Aztec warriors are called to defend the temple. The Conquistadors find themselves in a fierce battle, their superior weaponry and military tactics pitted against the Aztecs’ numbers and knowledge of the terrain.
The Conquistadors must make a combat check (Aim 13, Pie +3) to successfully fend off the Aztec warriors. On failure, they are overwhelmed and must find a way to escape or risk being captured.
Card 5: The Outbreak of War
Setting: The Great Temple, Tenochtitlán, 1520 AD, after the confrontation
The confrontation in the Great Temple has sparked a violent backlash. The Aztecs, outraged by the interruption of their sacred rituals and the audacity of the Conquistadors, rise up in rebellion. The city of Tenochtitlán, once a place of wonder and fascination for the Conquistadors, now becomes a battleground. The Conquistadors must now prepare for the inevitable war, a conflict that will shape the future of the New World.
Obstacle 1: Rallying the Troops (Pie +2)
The Conquistadors must rally their troops, preparing them for the impending conflict. They must instill in them the courage and determination needed to face the Aztec warriors.
The Conquistadors must make a charisma check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully rally their troops. On failure, the morale of the troops wavers, and they must try again.
Obstacle 2: Preparing for Battle (Pie +3)
The Conquistadors must prepare their defenses, anticipating the Aztec counterattack. They must use their military expertise to strategize and fortify their position.
The Conquistadors must make a wisdom check (Aim 13, Pie +3) to successfully prepare for battle. On failure, their defenses are weak, and they must try again.
Example PC/NPC
PC: Diego de Ordaz
Bio: Born in the heart of Spain, Diego de Ordaz was a man of courage and determination. Known to history as Diego the Fearless, he was a key figure in the Siege of Tenochtitlán in 1521 AD. Raised amidst the grandeur of the Spanish court, Diego was a soldier by trade, known for his unwavering bravery and strategic acumen. When the expedition to the New World began, Diego saw an opportunity to etch his name into the annals of history. Armed with his indomitable spirit, a keen sense of strategy, and a sword that won him many battles, Diego was ready to carve his legend into the heart of the Aztec Empire.
GEAR
Espada Ropera: +3 to hit, 1d6 damage, TARGET 12 Conquistador Armor: Grants +1 to CON checks when defending against attacks Pouch of Spanish Doubloons: A sign of his wealth and status, used to motivate and inspire others Map of Tenochtitlán: Detailed map of the city, used to navigate the city and plan his attack
ICRPG Stats: STR: +3 DEX: +2 CON: +3 INT: +1 WIS: +2 CHA: +1
Milestones
Fearless Warrior: Diego gains a +1 bonus to STR checks when engaging in combat. Master of Strategy: Diego gains advantage on all INT rolls when planning an attack or strategizing.
Indomitable Spirit: When in a tight spot, Diego gains a +1 bonus to all CON checks for one round.
NPC
Tlacaelel the High Priest
Bio: Tlacaelel, the High Priest of the Aztec Empire, was a figure of fear and reverence. Known to his people as Tlacaelel the Bloodied, he was the spiritual leader of the Aztecs during the time of the Spanish conquest. Raised in the heart of the Aztec Empire, Tlacaelel was a priest by calling, known for his unwavering devotion to the gods and his ruthless enforcement of the sacrificial rituals. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, Tlacaelel saw them not as a threat, but as a test from the gods. Armed with his faith, a keen understanding of the Aztec rituals, and a sacrificial knife that had ended many lives, Tlacaelel was ready to defend his gods and his people at all costs.
GEAR
Sacrificial Knife: +3 to hit, 1d6 damage, TARGET 12 Aztec Priest Robes: Grants +1 to INT checks when performing rituals Bloodied Hair: A sign of his devotion to the gods, used to inspire fear and respect Codex of Rituals: Detailed instructions for the sacrificial rituals, used to appease the gods and maintain his power
ICRPG Stats: STR: +1 DEX: +2 CON: +3 INT: +3 WIS: +2 CHA: +1
Milestones
Devoted Servant: Tlacaelel gains a +1 bonus to INT checks when performing sacrificial rituals. Master of Fear: Tlacaelel gains advantage on all CHA rolls when trying to intimidate or inspire fear.
Unyielding Faith: When faced with a threat to his gods or his people, Tlacaelel gains a +1 bonus to all CON checks for one round.
UNIQUE RULES
Rule 1: "Light of Faith"
In the heart of the Aztec Empire, the Conquistadors carry the light of Christianity. Whenever a player successfully converts an Aztec to Christianity through a successful CHA check, they are filled with divine grace. This act of faith grants them a temporary +1 bonus to all rolls for the next round as they are filled with the power of their faith. However, converting Aztecs can draw the ire of the priests and the devout, potentially causing conflict.
Rule 2: "Echoes of the Past"
The Great Temple is a place of ancient power and lingering spirits. At the start of each round, the Game Master rolls a d6. On a roll of 6, the echoes of past sacrifices surge forth, causing all players to experience terrifying visions of past sacrifices. These visions impose a -1 penalty to all rolls for that round as the players struggle to maintain their sanity amidst the horrors of the past.
Rule 3: "Ritual of Sacrifice"
The Aztec priests are capable of performing horrific rituals of sacrifice. If a player is captured by the priests, they are taken to the sacrificial altar. The player must make a CON check each round to resist the effects of the ritual. Failure results in the player taking 1d6 damage as their life force is drained away. If a player’s health reaches zero due to the ritual, they are sacrificed to the gods, their soul lost forever.
Rule 4: "Curse of the Gods"
The gods of the Aztec Empire do not take kindly to those who desecrate their temples. If a player damages or defiles any part of the Great Temple, they are cursed by the gods. The curse imposes a -2 penalty to all rolls until the player can find a way to appease the gods. However, a player can pray to Christ, making a WIS check to lift the curse. If successful, the curse is lifted, and they are filled with a sense of divine protection, granting them a +1 bonus to all rolls for the next round.