Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld

Mictlantecuhtli is a god in Aztec mythology who rules over the underworld.

• Pantheon: Aztec
• Deity Title: Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld
• Deity Symbol: Skulls and bones
• Home Plane: Mictlan, the Aztec underworld
• Deity Level: Intermediate
• Alignment: Lawful Evil
• Aliases: Mictlantecuhtli, Mictecacihuatl, Tzontemoc, Yohualtecuhtli
• Superior: None
• Traditional Allies: Mictecacihuatl, Xipe Totec
• Traditional Foes: Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli
• Divine Artifact: Tzompantli
• Servants: Xolotl, and other underworld creatures
• Servitor Creatures: Tzitzimime, demons, and other underworld creatures
• Sacred Animal: Owl
• Manifestations: Appears as a skeleton or a decomposing corpse, emits a foul odor
• Signs of Favor: Fertility of crops and livestock, success in battle, protection from underworld creatures
• Worshipers: Shamans, necromancers, those seeking protection in the afterlife
• Cleric Alignments: Lawful Evil, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil
• Specialty Priests: Necromancers, Death Knights
• Holy Days: Day of the Dead (November 1-2), Feast of the Lords of the Night (December 31-January 1)
• Portfolio: Death, the afterlife, judgment, fertility, agriculture
• Domains: Death, Evil, Law, Plant, Repose
• Favored Weapon: Macuahuitl (obsidian sword)
• Favored Class: Cleric
• Favored Race: Humans, Undead
• Duties of the Priesthood: Conducting funerary rites, communing with the dead, protecting the living from underworld threats
• Major Cult/Temple Sites: Temple of Mictlantecuhtli in Tenochtitlan, Mexico
• Benefits: Protection from underworld threats, power over the undead, ability to communicate with the dead.

Mictlantecuhtli is a striking and imposing figure, with a skeletal appearance that is both eerie and awe-inspiring. His bony frame is adorned with gruesome details, such as skulls, teeth, and bones, which are woven into his clothing and jewelry. His skin is a sickly shade of grey-green, and his eyes burn with an intense, otherworldly flame. Despite his alarming appearance, Mictlantecuhtli exudes a sense of calm and authority that commands respect and fear.

Mictlantecuhtli is the Aztec god of death and the underworld, ruling over the land of the dead known as Mictlan. He presides over the souls of those who have passed away, and is often depicted as a fearsome judge, determining the fate of the deceased. Mictlantecuhtli’s role in Aztec mythology is crucial, as it is believed that he is responsible for maintaining the delicate balance between life and death, ensuring that the natural order of the universe is maintained.

In addition to his role as a judge of the dead, Mictlantecuhtli is also associated with fertility and rebirth. It is believed that he oversees the process of decomposition, which leads to new life and growth. As such, he is sometimes depicted holding ears of maize, symbolizing the cycle of death and renewal that is central to Aztec beliefs.

Despite his fearsome reputation, Mictlantecuhtli is not an evil deity. Rather, he is seen as a necessary force in the universe, maintaining balance and order through the cycle of life and death. While he may inspire fear and awe in mortals, he is also respected and revered for his vital role in the cosmos.

Divine Artifact

Tzompantli Weapon (dagger), artifact (requires attunement by a creature willing to sacrifice another creature)

• Damage: 1d4 piercing
• Properties:
  • Fueled by Sacrifice: Whenever the wielder of Tzompantli sacrifices a living creature using the dagger, they gain a charge. The dagger can hold a maximum of 10 charges.
  • Gateway to the Underworld: As an action, the wielder can expend any number of charges to create a temporary portal to the Underworld. The portal lasts for 1 hour per charge expended and can be used by anyone who knows of its existence to travel to the Underworld. Any creature that passes through the portal must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to this effect for 24 hours.
  • Wisdom of the Dead: Whenever the wielder of Tzompantli consumes the flesh of a dead creature, they gain a temporary bonus to their Intelligence score equal to the creature’s challenge rating (minimum of +1) for 24 hours. This bonus can stack with itself, but consuming the same creature multiple times does not grant additional bonuses.

Note: This item is intended for use in a high-level campaign and should only be given to players if the DM is comfortable with its potential consequences.

Currently in the World

In the beginning, Mictlantecuhtli was created as the ruler of the underworld, a dark and desolate place where the dead would reside. His appearance was frightening, with bones and skulls forming his body, and a skull serving as his head. He was known for his ruthlessness and would do anything to maintain his power.

Throughout the ages, Mictlantecuhtli has remained the ruler of the underworld, and has had many dealings with the living. He is known for his cunning and his ability to manipulate others to achieve his goals. He is also known for his fierce loyalty to his allies and will do anything to protect them.

As the world moved into the 1450s, Mictlantecuhtli remained in the underworld, overseeing the souls of the dead. His ultimate goal is to maintain his power and control over the underworld. He desires to be feared and respected by all, and will go to great lengths to achieve this.

His relationships with other gods are often tense, as many fear him and his power. He is known to have few allies but those who are loyal to him are devoted and willing to do his bidding.

Despite his fearsome appearance and reputation, Mictlantecuhtli does have a softer side. He is often portrayed as a god of fertility and agriculture, and his bones are sometimes used as a symbol of growth and rebirth.

In the end, Mictlantecuhtli’s motivations and desires are simple: he seeks to maintain his power and control over the underworld, to be respected and feared by all, and to ensure that his loyal followers are protected and rewarded.