Zargor Temple

The Zargor Temple is a sunken, partially submerged ruin located beneath the Kargathian Wetlands infamous as the former lair of the black dragon Acnogar the Vile . Once the central site of worship for a forgotten serpent god, the temple has long been a nexus of arcane corruption and serpentine cult activity. Following Acnogar’s defeat by a band of adventurers approximately 5-10 years ago, the dwarven cleric Toryn Fireforge  used divine magic to fully submerge the structure in an effort to seal away its dark influence. Despite this, the temple remains accessible, and its cursed halls still whisper of ancient gods, forbidden rites, and draconic malice.   History   Yuzar Origins   The Zargor Temple predates recorded Kargathian history and is believed to have been constructed by a Yuzar  priest caste in service of a long-forgotten serpent god. The original architecture exhibits serpentine motifs, obsidian obelisks, and ritual sacrificial chambers, many of which remain intact, if defiled, beneath layers of swamp and silt. The identity of the god worshipped within is unknown, though iconography hints at a being of transmutation, hunger, and eternal shadow.   Acnogar the Vile   At some point in the last century, the black dragon Acnogar the Vile claimed the temple as his lair. He repurposed many of the existing Yuzar structures, expanding the temple’s lower chambers to accommodate his size and experiments. Under his dominion, the Zargor Temple became a nest of orcs, draconians, and alchemical horrors. It is believed Acnogar conducted blasphemous experiments involving Yuzar magic, necromancy, and draconic transformation, warping parts of the temple into places of eldritch wrongness.   The Fall of Acnogar   A party of adventurers infiltrated the temple, defeated Acnogar, and ended his reign of terror. In the aftermath, Toryn Fireforge, a dwarven cleric of Dha’rak, invoked divine rites to sink the temple entirely into the marshwater, hoping to contain its residual corruption. However, the structure remains partially intact and magically warded, and some speculate that the temple continues to draw power from its sunken god or from Acnogar’s lingering spirit.   Current Condition   Today, the Zargor Temple lies fully submerged beneath the Kargathian Wetlands. Access is possible via magical descent, aquatic entryways, or submerged tunnels located throughout the swamp. While many upper chambers are now flooded or collapsed, others remain dry due to arcane warding or structural preservation. Notable features include:  

• The Obsidian Altar: A sacrificial chamber ringed by serpent statues with eyes that weep black ichor. Some adventurers report hearing hissing voices in their minds when entering this room.
• The Sunken Library: Once a source of forbidden Yuzar knowledge, many of its scrolls have been destroyed or rendered illegible. Still, fragments of Acnogar’s research on draconic transcendence have been recovered here.
• The Hoard Chamber: Once guarded by a mimic masquerading as a treasure hoard, this chamber is now collapsed on one side. Arcane residue here interferes with teleportation magic.
• Teleportation Circle: Located in a vaulted chamber of carved bone pillars. Its function appears Yuzar in origin but was modified by Acnogar. Still faintly active.

  The air (or water) within the temple often carries a palpable sense of dread, and those who stay too long report nightmares, hallucinations, and a compulsion to return. Several expeditions post-sinking have failed to return.   Arcane Properties   The temple is saturated with residual dark magic, including:

• Illusory effects: shifting walls, phantom lights, and shadowy figures that vanish upon approach.
• Warped time: Time seems to pass differently in the deepest halls; survivors report conflicting memories of time spent within.
• Corruption aura: Prolonged exposure has been linked to physical mutations, particularly among arcane casters or dragonblooded individuals.

  Clerics and scholars speculate that the temple itself may be partially sentient, or at least imbued with an echo of its original deity, reawakened by Acnogar’s rituals.   Cultural Impact   Though sealed, the temple remains a subject of fascination for:

• Arcane researchers studying Yuzar gods or draconic augmentation.
• Treasure hunters seeking remnants of Acnogar’s hoard.
• Cultists and madmen who believe the temple holds the key to transformation or immortality.

  Local superstitions refer to the temple as the “Drowned Fane” or the “Heart of the Marsh,” and speak of lights moving beneath the water on moonless nights.