Maztica Trilogy

The Maztica Trilogy is a set of 3 fantasy novels set in the Dungeons and Dragons world of Forgotten Realms.

The series were written by Douglas Niles, and the books are:
 * Ironhelm (1990)
 * Viperhand (1990)
 * Feathered Dragon (1991)

The books are essentially a translation of the Spanish conquest of what is now Mexico in the 16th Century to the Forgotten Realms world. The result is a compelling fantasy read, though highly derivative.

The name 'Maztica' is itself a corruption of "Maya" and "Aztec", the two major stone-age civilisations of Central America.

The plot of the trilogy closely follows real-life events. The main character, Cordell, is similar in name to real-life conquistador Hernan Cortes. The states of Maztica resemble the Aztecs and other mesoamericans in that


 * they have Stone Age technology
 * they worship many gods and offer human sacrifices
 * they build large stone pyramids
 * there is a warrior class with particular uniforms
 * there is one powerful civilisation dominating the continent, from which some tribes are independent and others subjugated

The principal difference is the existence of magic in the D&D fantasy world.