“The spectacular Blood Games of ancient Tixaquan are alive and well in Waxaclajuun. Visit there if you dare, but keep your wits about you, otherwise you may lose your head!”
The Blood Games
The Blood Games are an annual spectacular of contests and celebrations hosted in the fabled city-state of Waxaclajuun. Long past the prime of its power, Waxaclajuun holds on to its fame and reputation in the Realms by continuing this age-old tradition of competition and glory. Arising from Waxaclajuun’s battle-scarred past of ritual warfare against its sister city-states, the Blood Games provide a more civilized venue for challenges to be issued and scores to be settled.
The contests range from non-violent games of mental acuity, through treacherous races of endurance and cunning, to the bloody Grand Melee. All games are held for the honor and glory of all the Realms of the land. Homage is paid to the powers of
Exhilarating in the heady parties, heart-pounding competitions, and horrific combats, the competitors from the many diverse Realms of the land will be assured of an experience to treasure and tell when they return to their homes.
Waxaclajuun
It is said that thousands of years ago the Great Jaguar was hunting on the Ixaijua Plains. He started hunting farther and farther away from the coast, moving closer to the mountains. One night he came upon a spot that seemed inviting and laid down to rest. At dawn the Great Jaguar awoke and as the sun started to rise over the horizon a light shone on a spot in a ring, showing that the Maker smiled upon that spot. This is where Waxaclajuun, which means favored of the Maker, was built.
Once the city was built, the Great Jaguar invited his friend, Brashtamere, to visit him. Brashtamere was so enamored with the city that the Great Jaguar gave it to him as a gift. In the center of the city Brashtamere had his priests build a large temple. After the temple was consecrated Brashtamere gave his priests orders to celebrate with a grand celebration, which is still remembered today in the Blood Parties.
Waxaclajuun was a prominent city-state in the Tixaquan Empire. It was a primarily Brashtamerean city, with strong influences of Bellinger, as was the case in all of the Tixaquan Empire. When the Tixaquan Empire fell 700 years ago, the city was spared the level of destruction of Naracauac and Caramul, but in the years since it has often been abandoned and then reoccupied.
About 400 years ago the inhabitants of Waxaclajuun started rebuilding the city and have since recreated much of the wealth that the city originally had. The worship of Bellinger has gained great influence in the last 400 years, largely due to a famous high priestess named Tula Na’Dal, who founded the Tradition of the Unforgiven and consecrated a Cathedral to Bellinger in Waxaclajuun almost 300 years ago. Under her stewardship, the Blood Games of the ancient Empire were recreated as a celebration of
The Jaguar’s Voice
The leader of Waxaclajuun, known as the Jaguar’s Voice, is a hereditary and undisputed ruler, the title having passed from one member of the same family for several hundred years. The Jaguar’s Voice is also the high priest of the Fate Spinners of Brashtamere. The Jaguar’s Voice always has at least one official advisor, and may appoint as many as five in times of trouble. These advisors are second in command; the only one who can overthrow any of their decrees is the Jaguar’s Voice. The Jaguar’s Voice sponsors the Blood Games, which are held in and around the Cathedral of Bellinger in the city, as well as the Blood Parties, which are held in the Brashtamerean temple.
The Jaguar’s Claws
The Jaguar’s Claws is a group of warriors who are the elite troops of the Jaguar’s Voice, stationed and trained in the Cathedral of Bellinger. These troops have two main duties - the first is the protection of the Jaguar’s Voice, and the second is to lead battles in any wars. During the Blood Games they serve as marshals and guards of the contests, and are well equipped to handle any troublemakers.
People to Watch
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The Jaguar's Voice, Aj Cha'Ik K'ak, is the supreme and undisputed ruler of Waxaclajuun. She has a deep love for her ancient city, and combines this with a fierce determination to restore it to a position of grandeur not enjoyed since the fall of the Tixaquan Empire. She is considered blessed by the Great Jaguar, and pays it homage as a high priest of Brashtamere. | |
Chiquatr is a high priest of Bellinger, a title he has earned in numerous wars. Bellinger's favor graces him, and there are few warriors who can compete with him in her eyes. As befits his faith, he invites and welcomes any challenge to battle with merciless ferocity. He is military advisor to the Voice, and handles all affairs of Waxaclajuun where strength of arms might be required. |
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Marcus Elyoot, master diplomat and merchant, watches with a keen eye over all matters that concern the security and well-being of Waxaclajuun. In questions that require financial wisdom and timely information, the Voice relies on this powerful advisor to steer her right. | |
Atroik Texelk, more commonly simply known as Lucky, is a high priest of Brashtamere, second only to the Voice. He travels frequently, bringing Brashtamere's joy to many lands with Lucky's Circus. At the Blood Games, he will likely be organizing many of the events and spreading the joy of Brashtamere. |
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Tayanna of Bellinger is Mistress of Ceremonies of the Blood Games. She directly supervises many of the competitions, ensuring the competitors abide by the spirit of the Blood Games. In case of disputes that are brought before her, her rulings and decisions are absolute. | |
Archibald Montague, popularly known as Archie, is a master swordsman and successful merchant. His friendly face can usually be found in the tavern, serving up drinks or running a friendly game of chance. |
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Katarina Boom-Boom Indigo represents the friendly courtesans of Waxaclajuun, hostesses who seek to ensure that all guests are welcomed and well cared for. | |
Master Alexander Torville attends the Blood Games as representative of the Church of Argon in Silbardelle. His unsurpassed knowledge of alchemy is highly valued by many, although it is rumored that his excentric behavior has worsened in recent years. |
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Shrell the Shrill is ambassador of the Kreen, and brings the boundless energy and creativity of these people to Waxaclajuun. It is rumored that he is bursting with ideas for new competitions that he wants to try out. |
Be warned of temptation! Although the Mistress of Ceremonies has not ruled against it, only a desparate contestant would try to gain an advantage in the competitions by resorting to either Ambassador Shrell's Kreenan inventions or Master Torville's alchemical experiments.
