Dendar the Night Serpent is an apocalyptic serpentine deity worshiped by the yuan-ti of Omu. She dwells in the underworld, devouring the dreams of sleeping creatures and waiting to be unleashed to destroy the world.
Role in the Adventure
Dendar represents the yuan-ti’s ultimate goal: opening a sealed portal beneath the Peaks of Flame to release her into the world. The god Ubtao was supposed to stand against Dendar, but with Ubtao having abandoned Chult over a century ago, the yuan-ti believe nothing can prevent the Night Serpent’s arrival. They have dedicated an underground temple (the Fane of the Night Serpent) beneath Omu’s ruined palace to this purpose, though they remain far from achieving their objective.
Worship and Symbolism
The yuan-ti offer sacrifices to Dendar in their sprawling underground temple. Her symbol appears as a snake curled in a spiral, gripping a circle in its jaws—representing Dendar devouring the world. Wall reliefs throughout the temple depict her legend:
- Dendar coiling in the underworld, consuming creatures’ dreams
- Yuan-ti terrorizing Chultans and feeding their nightmares to the serpent
- The opening of the underworld’s door, releasing Dendar to devour the sun and plunge the world into darkness
Key Believers
Fenthaza, the temple’s high priest and a “nightmare speaker,” interprets Dendar’s dream visions and pleases her through torture and sacrifice. She believes the Black Opal Crown (hidden in the Tomb of the Nine Gods) is the key to unleashing Dendar.
Ras Nsi, the yuan-ti leader, wants to bring forth Dendar and destroy the world before he dies from the death curse. He believes Acererak will help unlock the gate beneath the Peaks of Flame that prevents Dendar from entering the world.
Game Mechanics
Oracle Pool: Yuan-ti priests use a basin filled with viscous black and purple liquid in area 7 of the fane to commune with Dendar. The sludge conducts Dendar’s reveries. Creatures entering the pool or gazing into it receive nightmarish visions of being swallowed by a giant snake, taking 5 (1d10) psychic damage on a failed DC 15 Wisdom save.
Soporific Gas Trap: In area 3, a relief depicting Ras Nsi wearing the Black Opal Crown contains a hidden button. When pressed, carvings of the Night Serpent expel gas that forces creatures to make a DC 13 Constitution save or fall unconscious for 1 hour.
Human cult fanatics occasionally arrive at the temple seeking audience with Ras Nsi to pledge devotion to Dendar, bringing tribute.