The latest addition to my Dracula’s America collection is an Emissary of Dagon, one of those characters that immediately catches the eye and promises all sorts of mischief on the tabletop.

Unlike a straightforward gunfighter, she is not there to win duels or charge into the thick of every fight. Her real strength lies in what she brings to those around her. As a devoted servant of the Deep Ones, she spreads the influence of Dagon, supporting cultists, unsettling opponents, and creating opportunities for darker forces to emerge. Used well, she becomes the centre of a gang rather than its strongest fighter.

On the table she is at her best lurking behind tougher followers, directing the action while using her strange powers to tip events in her favour. Opponents quickly discover that the greatest threat is not always the figure carrying the biggest weapon but the one quietly pulling the strings from the shadows. Ignore her, and your gang may find itself facing unnatural horrors. Concentrate too much on stopping her, and the rest of the cult can close in.

From a hobby perspective she was also great fun to paint. There is plenty of scope for weathered robes, sea stained colours, strange relics, and just enough fishlike detail to hint that perhaps she has spent rather too much time in places where no sensible person should go. She looks every bit the mysterious prophetess, inspiring loyalty among the faithful while spreading quiet unease among everyone else.

I am looking forward to seeing what sort of trouble she can cause in the next game. Every frontier town has its preacher. Mine just happens to be preaching the gospel of Dagon, and I have a feeling that before the game is over, a few more converts will be answering the call from the depths.

Tomorrow some more of Dagon’s congregation.