Livre 2, Chapitre 1: Tabernacle of the Sleeping God
Who is Present?
The temple’s congregation is composed mostly of Purebloods operating in the world above, leaving only a handful Yuan-Ti present in the temple at any given time. The following are the important figures present in the temple: * Ssilkashla, a female Yuan-Ti Abomination attempting to become a Yuan-Ti Anathema (see area 20). Ssilkashla is ambitious, cold, and arrogant, in essence the ideal Yuan-Ti. She considers herself far above any “lesser” race, and is certain to tell them as much before swiftly disposing of them. If she ascends to become an Anathema, her arrogance will match her might. She will swiftly assert herself as a dominant force in Yuan-Ti politics, believing it her destiny to become the God-Empress of a new empire. * High Bloodletter Eztli, a male Yuan-Ti Malison, is the chief executioner, torturer, and prison guard (see area 9a). Eztli is exceedingly loyal to Ssilkashla and her congregation. Unlike most Yuan-Ti, his respect for his superiors is genuine, and his worship of Merrshaulk based on faith rather than practicality. * Pit Master Yaotal, a male Yuan-Ti Pit Master and main religious leader of the lesser Yuan-Ti (see area 12). Yaotal is secretly more emotional than he believes a proper Yuan-Ti should be, and he constantly fears that his superiors will realize this failure. * Athrendel is a male Young Brass Dragon who was captured after he brashly attempted to invade the temple (see area 7b). He has heard the Yuan-Ti speaking in draconic about Ssilkashla’s ascension and is frustrated at his inability to break free and put a stop to her schemes.Treasure
Unless otherwise noted, each type of Yuan-Ti carries the following valuables: Yuan-Ti Purebloods wear a pair of jeweled bracelets worth 10 GP. Yuan-Ti Malisons wear an ornate headdress worth 50 GP and a pair of golden bracelets worth 100 GP. Yuan-Ti Abominations carry ornate scimitars worth 250 GP and are decorated with four jeweled bracelets and necklaces, each worth 50 GP.Dungeon locations
1. Entrance Stairway
The stairway is kept dark to prevent unwanted attention. The air is warm and humid.2. Purifying Pool
The center of this room is filled by a 3-foot deep pool of warm steamy water. Yuan-Ti entering the temple use this water to ritualistically clean their body and buff their scales. Pre-Ascension: When the party arrives, two Yuan-Ti Purebloods are naked and bathing in the water. Their weapons are left leaning against the eastern wall. The purebloods pay no attention to human PCs, as they resemble other purebloods. They are alarmed by any other race unless they are disguised or appear to be bound. In combat one of the Yuan-Ti purebloods tries to hold the line while the second moves into room 4 to alert its allies. Post-Ascension: The successful rise of a demigod has drawn many more Yuan-Ti to the congregation. When the party arrives, five Yuan-Ti Purebloods and one Type 1 Yuan-Ti Malison are bathing in the pool. The Yuan-Ti Purebloods are all gathered at one side of the pool, giving the Malison a respectful distance. The Yuan-Ti’s weapons are scattered around the edges of the pool. They behave identically to the Yuan-Ti from Pre-Ascension, save that only one Yuan-Ti Pureblood moves to raise the alarm while the rest remain to fight.3. Altar to Merrshaulk
The walls of this room are adorned with frescoes of serpents rising from a jungle canopy to attack a flock of angels. A blood-stained altar stands atop a raised platform on the eastern edge of the room, with a pair of double doors behind it that are carved to look scaled. Trap: The double doors on the eastern wall is enchanted with a glyph of warning set to trigger if any creature touches the doors without speaking the correct command word. Pit Master Yaotal, High Bloodletter Eztli, and all Yuan-Ti abominations know the proper command word. When triggered, the glyph of warding casts the stored spell summon greater demon, summoning a Shadow Demon to attack the intruders. This shadow demon resembles an incorporeal black cobra. The Shadow Demon does not stand and fight to the death; it uses its incorporeal movements to use hit and run tactics over the full hour of its presence. Event: Each day at noon Pit Master Yaotal gathers all Yuan-Ti Purebloods present in the complex to this altar. The two Yuan-Ti Purebloods on guard duty in area 7 are excused. Yaotal performs a 20 minute ritual prayer to the god Merrshaulk while the Yuan-Ti Purebloods supplicate themselves on the floor before the altar. Yaotal’s ritual infuses his companion Swarm of Poisonous Snakes with a fragment of Merrshaulk’s awareness. The swarm of snakes slithers across the room, tasting the air around each Yuan-Ti. Very rarely, if a Yuan-Ti has been experiencing too much emotion, the divinely empowered snakes attack and kill the pureblood. Resisting this death is considered the worst of sins. The corpse of the Yuan-Ti is then ritually butchered upon the altar. If non-Yuan-Ti attempt to disguise themselves and take part in the ritual, the swarm of snakes identifies them as intruders and attack. Should the party resist or retaliate, all Yuan-Ti Purebloods in the chamber move to attack while Pit Master Yaotal stays behind the altar using his ranged abilities and spellcasting. Pit Master Yaotal retreats to area 14 if more than half the Yuan-Ti Purebloods are slain or if he is reduced below half of his hit point maximum. Yaotal then gathers any Yuan-Ti in that room and makes a final stand there.4. The Great Hall
There are two Type 1 Yuan-Ti Malisons priests in this room. The priests are in a trance-like state, kneeling on the ground before the pit (room 5). Their trance was induced by a strong concoction of hallucinogenic plants intended to bring the yuan-ti closer to the slumbering god Merrshaulk. The priests do not rouse from the sound of combat in adjoining rooms, but wake if they are damaged or if a creature uses its action to shake it awake.5. Pit of Merrshaulk
This 30-foot diameter pit is 120 feet deep. The pit was built to resemble the pit in which Merrshaulk slumbers. The pit’s sides are unworked stone, and the bottom 20 feet of the pit is obscured by a permanent veil of magical darkness. The floor of the pit is littered with numerous bones and corpses of past sacrifices, obscured by the darkness. Event: On holy days, all Yuan-ti in the congregation gather at the edges of the pit. The purebloods and malisons stand on the north side of the pit (area 4), while the abominations and pit master Yaotal stay on the south side (area 16). High Bloodletter Eztli moves to the prison complex (area 7) and escorts one of the prisoners to the edge of the pit. Pit Master Yaotal begins a 10 minute ritual, dedicating the coming sacrifice to the god Merrshaulk. High Bloodletter Eztli then slits the prisoners throat and casts it into the pit. If the sacrifice is completed, all of the Yuan-Ti purebloods and malisons enter a stupor as the presence of Merrshaulk rises in their minds, while the stronger-willed Pit Master Yaotal and abominations observe and continue their prayers. During the next hour, all Yuan-Ti purebloods and malisons are considered stunned as the snake god fills their mind. After the hour passes, a final series of ritual prayers are performed before the Yuan-Ti return to their various stations.6. Meditation Chambers
Each of these chambers are a bare stone cube with a polished smooth floor. Yuan-Ti use these chambers to perform private rituals in an attempt to contact or appease their uncaring god. Pre-Ascension: At any given time there is a 50% chance of each room being occupied by a Yuan-Ti Pureblood, unless an event would have drawn their attention elsewhere in the complex. If combat breaks out in one of the chambers, any Yuan-Ti in the adjacent chambers move to join in the fight 1 round later. Post-Ascension: All three of these chambers are occupied by Type 1 Yuan-Ti Malisons unless an event would have drawn their attention elsewhere in the complex. If combat breaks out in one of the chambers, the Yuan-Ti in the adjacent chambers move to join in the fight 1 round later.7. Prison Complex
7a. Humanoid Prison
Nine tiny jail cells line this room, each with a huddled and broken commoner held within. Two Yuan-Ti Purebloods guard this room at all times. The keys to the cells are held in room 9a. The cells can be opened with a DC 15 Thieves Tools check. If combat breaks out, the Yuan-Ti attempt to raise the alarm, calling their allies from area 9 to join the fight.7b. Dragon’s Prison
The Young Brass Dragon Athrendel is imprisoned in this room. He shows heavy signs of injuries; he is currently at 20 hit points. Athrendel has been injected with a special poison that negates his ability to use his breath weapon. The poison will last another 7 days unless cured by magic. Athrendel is grateful for his release and will happily accompany the party for the remainder of the dungeon. He is unaware of the temple’s layout, but knows the names of the important Yuan-Ti and their general role in the temple’s hierarchy. He can also warn the party about Ssilkashla’s goal of becoming a Yuan-Ti Anathema. If Athrendel joins the party, remember to divide the XP awarded to the player characters accordingly.8. Torture Chamber
This room boasts a stone table covered in splatters of blood. It is otherwise empty. High Bloodletter Eztli uses this room to torture his prisoners. He keeps his tools in his chambers.9. Guard Rooms
9a. The Bloodletter’s Room
This is a simple utilitarian bedroom. A small chest contains torture implements and a bundle of keys kept that open the prison cells of area 7. Pre-Ascension: The High Bloodletter Eztli likes to mix torture and his innate suggestion spell to break the minds of his prisoners, urging them to “willingly” sacrifice themselves to Merrshaulk. The High Bloodletter is a type 3 Yuan-Ti Malison with the following additional trait: Acid Slime. As a bonus action, Eztli can coat his body in a slimy acid that lasts for 1 minute. A creature that touches Eztli, hits him with a melee attack while within 5 feet of him, or starts its turn grappled by him takes 5 (1d10) acid damage. Post-Ascension: Eztli’s devotion has been rewarded by divinely granted enhanced vitality. High Bloodletter Eztli is a type 3 Yuan-Ti Malison with the following changes: His hit point maximum is 108. He has the following additional trait: Acid Slime. As a bonus action, Eztli can coat his body in a slimy acid that lasts for 1 minute. A creature that touches Eztli, hits him with a melee attack while within 5 feet of him, or starts its turn grappled by him takes 5 (1d10) acid damage. Eztli is also accompanied by a new companion, a Yuan-Ti Broodguard (VGtM) who is conditioned to obey him unquestioningly. Treasure. Eztli has a jade necklace worth 450 GP. His room contains torture implements and fine silk sheets worth 100 GP.9b. Storage
This room is used to store the guard’s weapons and supplies. A quick investigation of this room turns up rations sufficient to feed 20 people for 30 days and any basic adventuring equipment.9c. Guard Room
This room is simply furnished with a small wooden chest and four sleeping rolls scattered across the floor. Four Yuan-Ti Pureblood guards sleep here when they are not guarding the prisoners. The guards take overlapping eight-hour shifts, so there are always two on duty. Only two will ever be found here at the same time.10. Catacombs
These narrow stone halls contain the mummified remains of Yuan-Ti Purebloods who died performing a great service for the temple. There are 12 corpses in the catacombs, each adorned with jewels and gold worth 100 GP.11. Private Bath
This chamber is filled by a 3-foot deep bath of steaming water. Yaotal the Pit Master and the Yuan-Ti abominations use this bath to relax and clean themselves.12. Pit Master’s Chamber
Yaotal the Yuan-Ti Pit Master (VGtM) can be found here if he has not been encountered elsewhere. He is never separated from his companion Swarm of Poisonous Snakes save for his time in the private bath (room 11). Post-Ascension: Yaotal is accompanied by two Swarms of Poisonous Snakes rather than one. Treasure: Yaotal wears several overlapping golden chains across his shoulders with a cumulative value of 800 GP.13. Preparation Room
This room contains a wooden table, basins of water, and shelves containing medical supplies. This room serves multiple functions, including serving as an emergency hospital, concocting hallucinogenics, and preparing bodies to be placed in the catacombs.14. Gathering Hall
This hall has mural floor depicting a great ziggurat rising from the sands of a desert, and a giant snake coiled around its zenith. Two Yuan-Ti Broodguards (VGtM) are stationed here, conditioned never to leave this room unless pursuing living prey. They attack any non-Yuan-Ti on sight.15. Abomination Rooms
These rooms serve as the living quarters for any Yuan-Ti Abominations residing in the temple. Pre-Ascension: Ssilkashla is the only Yuan-Ti Abomination currently residing in the temple. She lives in room 15B but is rarely found outside of her ritual chambers (room 20). Post-Ascension: Ssilkashla’s chambers (room 15B) are left vacant, but two new Yuan-Ti Abominations have taken up residence in the other chambers. The devoted Morziza stays in room 15A, while the cold Hitotee stays in room 15C. Both abominations despise the other, seeing them as rivals in gaining favor with the new demigod. If combat breaks out with one of the abominations, the other stays back to observe the fight until the other abomination is dead or victory seems assured.16. Altar of the Slumberer
Four large columns support the ceiling, carved to resemble coiling snakes. A tiled mosaic along the floor leads to a bloodstained altar rests against the southern wall. The vaulted ceiling has carved reliefs of human sacrifice and giant snakes devouring villages. Trap: If a non-Yuan-Ti steps across the mosaic on the floor, the four pillars in this room animate into four Giant Constrictor Snakes with the following changes: Their type is construct. They are resistant to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t adamantine. They are immune to poison damage. They are immune to the charmed, exhaustion, frightened, petrified, and poisoned conditions. The animated snakes immediately attack the intruders and fight to the death.17. Library
The shelves of this room are filled with ancient scrolls and boxes of rare herbs. The scrolls are written in abyssal and contain numerous profane rituals the Yuan-Ti use to appease their dread gods. The herbs are used to create several deadly poisons and ritualistic hallucinogenics. The herbs in this room are worth 600 GP to the right buyer. The scrolls would be nearly priceless to a collector or other Yuan-Ti.18. Egg Chamber
This room is filled with warm water to a depth of one foot. 9 small-sized Eggs fill this room, each containing an unborn Yuan-Ti Abomination. The eggs have an Armor Class of 10 and 1 Hit Point.19. Chamber of Sacrifice
The roof of this grand chamber is supported by four columns carved to resemble coiled snakes. The center of the room is dominated by a blood-stained stone altar, atop which rests a curved silver knife. A massive set of double doors stand closed to the east. They are carved with the relief of a Yuan-Ti Abomination stabbing a heart with the very dagger that rests on the altar. Trap: The doors to the east are magically locked. They can be opened by spilling fresh humanoid blood on the altar in the center of the room. If a creature attempts to open the doors or damage them without spilling humanoid blood on the altar, a symbol spell is triggered, causing the Fear affect (spell save DC 17). Triggering the symbol alerts Ssilkashla of the intruder’s presence, and she moves out to investigate 2 rounds later, ready for combat.20. Tabernacle of the Nascent God
The edges of this room slope down at a 45 degree angle, descending into water. Ssilkashla is using this chamber in her ritual to ascend to demigodhood. She tolerates no intrusions into this space, fighting to the death. Pre-Ascension: Ssilkashla is a Yuan-Ti Abomination with the following changes: Ssilkashla has a +7 to Deception, +7 to Intimidation, and +6 to Religion. She is wearing a ring of mind shielding, which makes her immune to magic that allows other creatures to read her thoughts, determine whether she is lying, or know her alignment or creature type. The ring is invisible. Ssilkashla has the following additional traits: Indomitable (1/Day): Ssilkashla rerolls a failed saving throw. Lesser Divine Word (1/Day): As a bonus action, Ssilkashla can speak an incomplete word of power. Ssilkashla chooses any number of creatures she can see within 30 feet of her. Each target must make a DC 13 Charisma saving throw. If a the saving throw fails by 5 or more the creature is reduced to 0 hit points. Otherwise, a creature takes 16 (3d10) psychic damage on a failed save. Post-Ascension: Ssilkashla is a Yuan-Ti Anathema (VGtM) with the following changes: Ssilkashla has a +9 to Deception, +9 to Intimidation, and +8 to Religion. She is wearing a ring of mind shielding, which makes her immune to magic that allows other creatures to read her thoughts, determine whether she is lying, or know her alignment or creature type. The ring is invisible. Treasure: Ssilkashla wears ornate golden ornamentation embedded into her scales. If carefully removed, their collective value is worth 1200 GP. She also wears a Ring of Mind Shielding. Development: Ssilkashla's defeat heralds the end of this adventure, yet her story is not over. Ssilkashla's soul enters her Ring of Mind Shielding upon her death and remains there. Ssilkashla will bide her time within the ring, observing whoever puts it on. If the wearer seems pliable, she will wait until the ring's new wearer is in trouble before communicating telepathically with them, offering aid from her expansive Yuan-Ti connections. If the wearer is good-hearted, she will attempt to deceive them into thinking her telepathy is a communication from a divine messenger. In either case, her goal is to get the ring and her soul into the hands of another Yuan-Ti, which may be able to resurrect her. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/comments/j2fqht/tabernacle_of_the_nascent_god_a_dropanywhere/Entries
From the ruined temple in the Lost City of Tosha.
Sensory & Appearance
Dark, warm, humid with a constant feeling of being observed and manipulated.
Type
Dungeon
Parent Location
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