The Night of Blood Beckons: Survive the "Nextlahualli of Eztli"

In the depths of the Mexican jungle, as the dawn of a new day teeters on the horizon, the air hums with ancient chants. The haunting beat of Aztec war drums stirs the soul, and shadows move with an urgency born of survival. Welcome to “Nextlahualli of Eztli”—a grim, visceral tabletop RPG experience that plunges you into the turmoil of La Noche Triste and the Spanish-Aztec conflict.

Originally crafted for the innovative PsychScape - Historical RPG system, this adventure merges immersive historical storytelling with bold, character-driven gameplay. Featured as a complete scenario in the PsychScape - Historical Rulebook, it’s an experience designed to challenge your wits, morality, and survival instincts.

History as the Setting: Why 1520s Mexico?

The Spanish conquest of Mexico was a time of upheaval, a clash of worlds where survival often came at the cost of one's humanity. Drawing inspiration from La Noche Triste, the infamous “Night of Sorrows,” this adventure places you squarely in the heart of the Aztec-Spanish conflict.

Imagine Hernán Cortés' troops fleeing the fury of Aztec warriors, weighed down by greed and guilt as their stolen gold drags them to their doom in the muddy depths of Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs, meanwhile, fight to reclaim their homeland, driven by a faith in gods demanding blood and sacrifice. This setting is not just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, a hostile force shaping every decision players make.

Survival Horror in the Jungle

This isn’t a dungeon crawl; it’s a fight for your life. The stakes? Your character’s survival as the jungle conspires with the Aztec warriors to push you to the brink. Here’s what awaits:

• Exhausting Flights Through Dense Terrain: The jungle is alive with peril—quicksand, venomous creatures, and the oppressive weight of the unfamiliar.
• Relentless Pursuit: Aztec warriors strike with precision and ferocity, their macuahuitls splintering steel with terrifying strength.
• Moral Choices with No Clear Answer: Do you abandon wounded comrades to save yourself? Do you attempt to reason with your pursuers, knowing it might cost you everything?

Every moment is a test of your grit and ingenuity.

From PsychScape to ICRPG: A Perfect Fit

“Nextlahualli of Eztli” was originally crafted to showcase the innovative mechanics of PsychScape - Historical, a system that fuses historical depth with character-driven storytelling. PsychScape emphasizes:

• Big Five Personality Traits: Rooted in the psychology of real historical figures, characters are shaped by their personalities, influencing their choices and actions.
• Immersive Historical Contexts: Every adventure, like this one, plunges players into a world where their decisions echo the dilemmas faced by historical figures.
• Tense Moral Landscapes: Adventures like “Nextlahualli of Eztli” force players to wrestle with dilemmas and conflicts devoid of easy answers.

Adapted for Index Card RPG (ICRPG), the adventure retains its high-stakes survival horror while offering streamlined mechanics that keep the pace fast and the tension palpable.

Discover PsychScape - Historical

This adventure isn’t just a one-off—it’s part of the larger tapestry of PsychScape - Historical, a system designed to bring history to life through deep roleplay and moral complexity. Within the PsychScape - Historical Rulebook, you’ll find:

• The full “Nextlahualli of Eztli” adventure, complete with detailed descriptions, character options, and historical context.
• Tools to craft your own adventures set in pivotal moments of history, from ancient empires to revolutionary conflicts.
• A rich integration of psychology, including the Big Five Personality Traits, to shape immersive character development and decision-making.

The PsychScape - Historical Rulebook is available now, offering everything you need to dive into history-driven adventures like this one. Whether you’re a fan of historical drama, survival horror, or deeply thematic roleplaying, this is your gateway to unforgettable stories.

Ready to Embark on this Grim Adventure?

“Nextlahualli of Eztli” is more than a game—it’s a journey into a pivotal moment in history. Whether played in PsychScape - Historical or adapted to other systems like ICRPG, this story is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a survival horror tale that tests your courage, creativity, and morality.

Gather your dice, ready your character sheets, and prepare to face the jungle’s wrath and the looming shadow of sacrificial dawn. Adventure awaits in the shadows of history.

Will you survive the Night of Blood?

Free ICRPG Conversion Rules: Bring “Nextlahualli of Eztli” to Your Table!

To make it even easier to dive into this thrilling adventure, we’ve included free conversion rules to adapt “Nextlahualli of Eztli” to the Index Card RPG (ICRPG) system. Copy and paste the rules below, and get started on your journey through the jungle today!

‍

NEXTLAHUALLI OF EZTLI

ICRPG One-Shot Conversion

1. ICRPG BASICS (Quick Ref)

1. Target Number (TN): Instead of setting a separate difficulty for every single roll, each Location or Scene has a single TN. Characters must roll above that TN (plus stat and loot bonuses) to succeed on actions.
2. Hearts & Effort:some text
   • Hearts: 1 Heart = 10 HP.
   • Effort:some text
     • Basic (d4): Unarmed or general tasks (tying ropes, rummaging).
     • Weapon (d6): Typical melee/ranged weapons.
     • Magic (d8): Magical or advanced “tech” tasks (rare in this historical scenario).
     • Ultimate (d12): Critical hits or special bursts of effort.
3. Turns & Timers:some text
   • In a tense scene, each round, every PC and enemy takes one action. Use Timer Dice (e.g., a d4) for looming threats (like jungle hazards or temple collapses).

‍

2. PRE-GENERATED CHARACTERS (Examples)

You can have 2–4 Spanish Conquistadors, each with a unique role. Below are sample ICRPG-style stat blocks (using the classic 6 stats: STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA). Adjust to taste.

Starting Point:

• Stats in ICRPG usually begin around +0, +1, or +2.
• Each PC can have about 2–3 Starting LOOT items providing bonuses.
• HP is typically 1–2 Hearts (10–20 HP), plus CON bonus.

A. Juan de Córdoba (Harquebusier)

• STR +0 | DEX +2 | CON +1 | INT +0 | WIS +0 | CHA +0
• HP: 1 Heart (10 HP)
• Starting LOOT:some text
  1. Harquebus: +3 to RANGED ATTEMPTS (Weapon Effort = d6). Reload: Takes 1 full action.
  2. Partial Steel Armor: +2 ARMOR (subtract 2 from physical hits).
  3. Powder & Shot (Limited): 6 shots total. Keep track!
• Notes: Gains Ultimate Effort (d12) if a shot is lined up from stealth or higher ground.

B. Esteban Morales (Scout)

• STR +0 | DEX +3 | CON +0 | INT +0 | WIS +1 | CHA -1
• HP: 1 Heart (10 HP)
• Starting LOOT:some text
  1. Crossbow: +2 to RANGED ATTEMPTS, Weapon Effort d6. Bolts can be recovered post-battle (roll 50% chance per shot).
  2. Light Armor: +1 ARMOR
  3. Survival Kit: Once per session, can re-roll a failed WIS check to track or forage.
• Notes: Gains +2 on DEX checks for stealth or movement in the jungle.

‍

C. Hernán García (Spearman)

• STR +2 | DEX +0 | CON +1 | INT -1 | WIS +0 | CHA +1
• HP: 2 Hearts (20 HP) – the “tank.”
• Starting LOOT:some text
  1. Steel Spear: +3 to MELEE ATTEMPTS, Weapon Effort d6.
  2. Rosary: Once per session, can reduce incoming damage by half (divine intervention).
  3. Heavy Breastplate: +3 ARMOR
• Notes: Moves slower (cannot sprint if also attacking this turn).

(If you have a 4th PC, create a “Rogue-ish” type or a second harquebusier, etc.)

‍

3. SCENE-BY-SCENE OUTLINE

Below are recommended Target Numbers (TN) and key hazards or checks. Each scene runs 10–20 minutes in real-time, perfect for a 2–3 hour one-shot.

SCENE 1: Jungle Flight

• TN: 10 (Normal jungle difficulty)
• Set the Tone: Oppressive humidity, thick vines, distant war drums.
• Goal: Evade the Aztec scouts or handle a random hazard.
• Encounter: Possibly an Environmental Hazard (roll a d4 Timer—when it hits 0, it triggers).some text
  • Examples: Quicksand pit, venomous insects, collapsing log bridge.
  • Success or fail, highlight the dire mood.

RUNNING IT:

• Each PC describes how they’re traveling. Are they quiet (DEX), pushing foliage aside (STR), or scouting vantage points (WIS)?
• If they fail, they might take 1d6 damage (no armor) from getting stuck or bitten.

SCENE 2: First Ambush

• TN: 12 (Moderate difficulty)
• Enemies: 2 Aztec Warriors (see stat block below). They appear from dense foliage, attacking quickly to wound or capture.
• Aztec Warrior (Minion Version):some text
  • 1 Heart (10 HP), +2 to attack, deals Weapon Effort (d6).
  • Wears cotton armor (ARMOR 1).
  • Tactics: Hit-and-run, aiming for legs/arms to subdue.
• Outcome: The warriors might retreat if outmatched, but they do enough to scare the players. Give them a sense more are coming.

SCENE 3: Tactical Choice

• TN: 12 (still in the thick jungle)
• The Dilemma:some text
  1. Keep running (risk more exhaustion/hazards).
  2. Fortify in a small clearing (risk being surrounded).
• If Running: Each PC must roll DEX or CON vs. TN 12 or take 1d4 damage from exhaustion or environment.
• If Fortifying: They can set traps or brace, but next wave will be bigger.

SCENE 4: Second Ambush

• TN: 12 or 13 (ramp up difficulty slightly)
• Enemies: 3–4 Aztec Warriors total.some text
  • Possibly one “Elite Jaguar Warrior” with 2 Hearts (20 HP), +4 to attack, deals d6+1 damage, ARMOR 2.
  • The rest are 1-Heart grunts.
• Twist: One of the Spanish Porters (NPC) gets grabbed! If the PCs intervene, they risk an attack from the flank.
• Terrain: If they ran deeper in the jungle, an environmental hazard triggers mid-fight (d4 Timer). If they fortified, they get a +2 to defense rolls but risk flanking.

SCENE 5: Tension & Countdown

• TN: 12 or 13 (carry over from Scene 4)
• Lull: Drums intensify. The smell of smoke. The group sees torchlight in the distance. They know the next fight is the last.
• Resource Check: Let players realize how low on bolts/ammo they are. Maybe some are wounded. Morale is low. Time is short—a dawn sacrifice looms for any captured.

SCENE 6: The Mass Attack / Temple Collapse

• TN: 14 (final showdown difficulty)
• Setup: The party stumbles into a hidden temple roof (covered by vines)—the ground collapses mid-battle, dropping them into a dark ceremonial chamber.
• Enemies: 1 Elite Leader (Tlanextli) + 2–4 Jaguar Warriorssome text
  • Tlanextli: 2 Hearts (20 HP), +5 to attack, deals d8 (Magic Effort—treat obsidian Macuahuitl as savage), ARMOR 3.
  • Jaguar Warriors: 1 Heart (10 HP), +4 to attack, d6 Weapon Effort, ARMOR 2.
• Hazard: The crumbling temple. Every round, roll a d4 Timer. On 1, a partial collapse occurs, forcing a DEX check or 1d6 damage (ignores armor).
• Conclusion:some text
  • If the PCs triumph, they’re stranded in a partial ruin but alive!
  • If captured or knocked unconscious, they awaken at dawn on a sacrificial altar—grim ending.

4. MONSTER & NPC STATS (ICRPG Style)

Use these simplified hearts and bonuses. Adjust the difficulty based on your table’s preferences.

Aztec Warrior (Minion)

• HP: 1 Heart (10 HP)
• Attack Bonus: +2
• Damage: d6 (Macuahuitl/Atlatl)
• Armor: 1 (cotton armor)
• Loot: Possibly none or a simple trinket.
• Notes: Prefers hit-and-run tactics. Will attempt to subdue instead of kill.

‍

Jaguar Warrior (Elite)

• HP: 1 Heart (10 HP) or 2 Hearts (20 HP) for a truly tough foe
• Attack Bonus: +4
• Damage: d6+1 or d8 if you want them extra deadly
• Armor: 2 (thick cotton, symbolic jaguar pelt)
• Notes: Gains +2 to STR/DEX checks to climb or ambush in the jungle.

‍

Tlanextli (Jaguar Warrior Leader)

• HP: 2 Hearts (20 HP)
• Attack Bonus: +5
• Damage: d8 (vicious Macuahuitl)
• Armor: 3 (well-crafted cotton armor + supernatural might)
• Notes:some text
  • Commanding Presence: Allies within Near range get +1 to ATTEMPTS.
  • Frenzied Strike: 1/day can make 2 attacks in a single turn.

‍

Spanish Porters (Diego & Mateo)

• HP: ~5 HP each (half a Heart)
• Attack Bonus: +0 (often won’t fight)
• Damage: d4 (makeshift weapons)
• Armor: 0 (common clothes)
• Notes: If they die or are captured, the party loses essential supplies (food, ammo). Keep that tension high!

‍

5. OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Environmental Hazard Table

Whenever the party flees deeper into the jungle or if you want a random event, roll a d6:

1. Venomous Insects: DEX vs. TN to avoid bites (1d6 damage ignoring armor).
2. Falling Tree: Timer d4—on 0, a tree collapses near the group. DEX check or take 1d8 damage.
3. Quicksand: One PC sinks, must STR or WIS check to escape or lose 1 Heart from drowning/exhaustion.
4. Jaguar Roar: A real jaguar stalks the group. They can scare it off or fight. 1 Heart, +3 to attack, d6 damage.
5. Sudden Downpour: Movement halved, ranged attacks -2 to attempt for d4 rounds.
6. Lost: The group must pass an INT or WIS check or lose an hour (the next wave arrives sooner).

Sacrifice Timer (Optional)

If you want an overarching countdown, set a “Dawn Timer” with a 1d6 or 1d8. Each scene transition, tick it down by 1. If it hits 0 before the final confrontation, the main Aztec force is ready at the temple—the players are out of time.

6. RUNNING THE ONE-SHOT

1. Onboardingsome text
   • Give a quick ICRPG rules summary: “Roll d20 + stat vs. the room’s TN. If you succeed, roll Effort. 1 Heart = 10 HP.”
   • Emphasize the grim tone and limited resources.
2. Keep the Pacesome text
   • Scenes should flow quickly. If a fight runs too long, reduce the enemies’ hearts or have them retreat (Aztecs might prefer live captives).
3. Show the Brutalitysome text
   • Describe injuries vividly—broken armor, chipped obsidian. Remind them of the looming sacrificial dawn.
4. End with a Climaxsome text
   • The final temple collapse is a dramatic set-piece. Use a Timer for falling debris. Let the PCs feel the weight of every dice roll.

7. CLOSING THOUGHTS

By fitting the entire “Nextlahualli of Eztli” scenario into ICRPG, you keep gameplay fast, brutal, and cinematic. Focus on:

• Tension & Timers: Always have a sense of urgency.
• Simple, Punchy Stats: 1–2 Hearts per foe, +2 to +5 attack, d6 to d8 damage.
• High Stakes: One big scene can decide the PCs’ survival or capture.

Have fun unleashing historical horrors in a rules-light system—and let your players feel the relentless pressure of the Aztec pursuit in every roll! Buen juego and good luck at the table!

‍

‍