Overview
The Fane of the Night Serpent is a yuan-ti temple located beneath the ruined royal palace of Omu, dedicated to the apocalyptic deity Dendar the Night Serpent. Originally part of the palace complex, the temple has been expanded and modified by the yuan-ti over the years to serve as their base of operations under the leadership of Ras Nsi.
Role in the Adventure
The Fane serves as the primary dungeon for Chapter 4, intended for characters of 7th-9th level. Characters are forced to infiltrate this location when Ras Nsi steals the ninth puzzle cube needed to access the Tomb of the Nine Gods. The temple becomes the focal point of conflict as adventurers must either take the cube by force or negotiate with Ras Nsi for its release.
Layout and Access
The temple has two entrances within the royal palace ruins (area 20):
- Main Entrance (Area 20A): A large northern entrance that Ras Nsi uses to create an obvious trail after stealing the ninth puzzle cube
- Secret Entrance (Area 20B): A hidden southern entrance concealed behind palm fronds and thorny bushes (DC 15 Wisdom Perception or Survival check to locate). This passage connects to area 23 of the temple
Both entrances are guarded by three type 1 yuan-ti malisons in snake form who attack intruders not accompanied by yuan-ti.
Inhabitants and Leadership
The temple is controlled by Ras Nsi, a former human paladin of Mezro who transformed himself into a yuan-ti malison after losing his undead-creating powers. As leader of the yuan-ti, he plots to bring about the end of the world from this stronghold.
Fenthaza, a subordinate yuan-ti leader, also operates within the temple. If she survives, she may attempt to use adventurers against Ras Nsi for her own political ends.
The temple contains various yuan-ti forces including malisons and purebloods, and features a harem (area 10) that may harbor a Red Wizard spy.
Connected Locations
- Area 23: Connection point for the secret entrance tunnel
- Area 21: Contains a hydra that can be summoned by ringing cowbells on rowboats near the underground river entrance
- Underground River: Features rowboats for transport within the temple complex
Strategic Importance
Once five puzzle cubes have been claimed in Omu, Ras Nsi begins setting ambushes with yuan-ti forces. After eight cubes are taken, he steals the final cube and retreats to the Fane, forcing the adventurers to confront him on his home ground. Characters captured by yuan-ti throughout the adventure are also brought here.
If the Fane is not cleared during the adventure, the yuan-ti remain in control of Omu even after the death curse ends, opposing any attempts to restore the city and creating ongoing complications for Princess Mwaxanaré’s efforts to rebuild.