1. Locations

Temple of Dagon

The Temple of Dagon, the "Dreaming God," stands ominously within a dilapidated stone building. The temple facade is adorned with grotesque carvings of sea creatures, tentacles, and strange runes that seem to shift when viewed from the corner of one’s eye. The building's exterior is overgrown with moss and creeping vines, giving it an almost organic appearance, as if the temple itself is alive and waiting.

Inside, the atmosphere is thick with moisture and the faint scent of brine, reminiscent of the deep ocean where Dagon once ruled. The walls are lined with dark blue tapestries depicting scenes of primordial chaos, battles between gods and Dagon. Although Dagon appears to be a Great Old One, he has fought on the side of the gods, despite being a being of unspeakable evil.

The floor is slick with algae, and the air is heavy with the weight of ancient, unspeakable power.

At the center of the temple's main hall stands the colossal statue of Dagon, a terrifying figure carved from black stone. The god is depicted as a monstrous, amphibious creature with tentacles sprawling out from his body, fins along his back, and a gaping mouth filled with sharp fangs. The statue's eyes, crafted from polished silver, gleam with an unnatural light, giving the impression that Dagon is watching all who enter.

The statue's forehead bears a jagged, broken spot where the Jeweled Horn of Dagon (Missing) was once embedded, now a void that seems to pulse with dark energy. The temple’s followers, known as the Cult of Dagon, believe that restoring the horn to its rightful place will awaken their god and unleash his wrath upon the world.

The cultists, clad in blue robes and masks to conceal their identities, gather regularly in the temple. They perform dark rituals and chants in front of the statue, invoking Dagon’s name and reciting verses from the forbidden Scrolls of Skelos. These scrolls, kept hidden within the temple, detail the prophecy of Dagon's rebirth and the ritual that must be performed to bring about his awakening.

Monastery of the Abyssal Deep

Temple of Dagon

Monastery Name: Monastery of the Abyssal Deep
Spiritual Focus: Communion with the Ocean and Its Creatures
Master: Wavecaller Elara Thalass, Triton
Elara is a serene triton with flowing blue-green hair and eyes that reflect the depths of the ocean. She is in tune with the creatures of the sea and can summon them at will.
Economic Means: The monastery harvests rare and valuable marine resources, such as pearls, coral, and exotic fish, which they sell to merchants and collectors. They also offer blessings for sailors and ships, ensuring safe voyages.

Reasons to Visit

Backgrounds Linked to the Temple of Dagon

  1. Sailor (PHB)

    • Connection: A Sailor may have turned to Dagon’s worship for protection against the dangers of the sea, believing the Dreaming God’s power to be the only force strong enough to safeguard them from storms, sea monsters, and cursed waters.
    • Why It Fits:
      • The Ship’s Passage feature reflects a deep familiarity with the ocean, making it likely that the character has encountered the darker, mystical elements of the sea that align with Dagon’s domain.
      • A Sailor tied to the temple might have participated in or witnessed rituals to Dagon to appease the god during long voyages.
  2. Hermit (PHB)

    • Connection: A Hermit could have discovered ancient texts or ruins tied to Dagon during their solitude. These revelations might have drawn them to the temple, where their visions or knowledge could serve the cult’s goals.
    • Why It Fits:
      • The Discovery feature aligns with uncovering the forbidden Scrolls of Skelos or visions of Dagon’s awakening, positioning the character as either a devoted follower or a reluctant bearer of dark knowledge.
      • Their time in isolation may have brought them closer to the Dreaming God, whether willingly or through haunting dreams and portents.

Reasons Characters Might Visit the Temple of Dagon

  1. To Investigate the Missing Jeweled Horn
    The Jeweled Horn of Dagon, a key artifact, is missing from the statue in the temple’s main hall. Characters may seek the horn to prevent Dagon’s awakening—or to restore it, driven by curiosity, power, or a darker purpose.

  2. To Learn Forbidden Lore
    The temple is rumored to house the Scrolls of Skelos, containing dark prophecies and ancient rituals. Scholars, warlocks, or seekers of eldritch power might visit to uncover these secrets, despite the risks of madness or corruption.

  3. To Protect or Sabotage a Ritual
    The Cult of Dagon often performs rituals to summon creatures from the deep or to bring about the god’s rebirth. Adventurers might come to stop a dangerous ritual—or to aid it, hoping to gain the god’s favor or unlock forbidden power.

  4. To Seek the Aid of Wavecaller Elara Thalass
    The Monastery of the Abyssal Deep’s leader, Wavecaller Elara, is known for her ability to summon and command sea creatures. Characters might seek her blessings or assistance for a perilous sea voyage, or to call upon the creatures of the ocean in battle.

  5. To Confront a Personal Connection to the Cult
    A character’s past may tie them to the cult—an estranged family member, a friend turned devotee, or their own dark dreams drawing them toward the temple. This visit could be a reckoning with their history or an effort to understand the pull of Dagon’s influence.