Golden Chalice of Tours
Type
Sacred Artifact - Miraculous religious item
Status
Hidden in Monasterio del Santo Reino ruins
Overview
A magnificent golden chalice gifted to Monasterio del Santo Reino by Bishop Adalardus of Tours, considered one of the monastery's most valuable treasures. According to legend, this chalice possesses miraculous powers and represents the pinnacle of medieval goldsmithing.
Physical Description
Craftsmanship
- Crafted by the finest goldsmiths in Tours
- Made of pure gold
- Adorned with intricate engravings
- Decorated with precious gems
- Considered a masterwork of art
- Heavy and substantial
Design Elements
- Religious imagery and symbols
- Possibly depicts scenes from Christ's life
- Ornate decorative patterns
- Gem settings (emeralds, rubies, sapphires)
- Designed for liturgical use
- Sized for ceremonial wine service
Miraculous Properties
Legendary Power
The chalice is said to possess the ability to:
"Turn even the most bitter wine into the finest nectar"
This miraculous transformation suggests:
- Divine blessing from its consecration
- Gift from God for faithful service
- Proof of the monastery's sanctity
- Possible literal transubstantiation power
- Enhancement of any liquid within
Religious Significance
- Used only on most sacred occasions
- Kept in special place of honor in chapel
- Central to monastery's most important ceremonies
- Symbol of Bishop Adalardus's support
- Connection to Tours' spiritual authority
History
Creation & Gifting
- Commissioned by Bishop Adalardus of Tours
- Created specifically for the new monastery
- Sent with the founding charter (circa 794 AD)
- Represented substantial investment
- Demonstrated Tours' commitment to mission
The Monastery Years (794-844 AD)
- Centerpiece of monastery's treasures
- Used in High Masses and special ceremonies
- Carefully guarded and maintained
- Source of pride for the monks
- Drew pilgrims seeking blessings
The Raid (844 AD)
During the Moorish attack:
- Somehow survived the ransacking
- Either hidden or overlooked
- Not carried away with other loot
- Remained in monastery ruins
- Lost to knowledge for 50 years
Current Location (894 AD)
Still in the monastery:
- Hidden in chapel or treasury
- Findable with Perception Ob 3 in chapel
- Covered by debris and decay
- Miraculously preserved from elements
- Awaiting rediscovery
Value
Material Worth
- Pure gold construction
- Precious gemstone decoration
- Master craftsmanship
- Substantial weight
- Worth fortune in metal alone
Religious Value
- Sacred relic status
- Blessed by bishops
- Historical significance
- Miraculous properties
- Priceless to church
Strategic Value
- Could fund party operations
- Leverage with church authorities
- Proof of monastery exploration
- Possible divine favor if used properly
- Diplomatic tool with Christian powers
Powers & Use
If Party Acquires
Potential applications:
- Literal use: Actually transforms wine/liquids
- Divine favor: Grants blessings to faithful users
- Church relations: Massive goodwill if returned
- Wealth: Sell for enormous sum (sacrilege)
- Legitimacy: Proof of righteous mission
Game Mechanics
Could provide:
- Healing properties in transformed liquid
- Bonus to Faith tests when used in ceremony
- Divine intervention in desperate moments
- Protection against poison if wine purified
- Morale boost to faithful party members
Recovering the Chalice
Location
- In Monasterio del Santo Reino chapel
- Hidden reliquary discovery: Perception Ob 3
- Among rubble and decay
- Possibly in collapsed altar area
- Protected by monastery dangers
Challenges
- Navigate monastery traps
- Avoid/defeat Infernus/Brother Thomas
- Search through extensive ruins
- Transport heavy golden object
- Avoid drawing attention
Rewards
- Immense material wealth
- Religious artifact power
- Church favor if returned
- Historical significance
- Campaign centerpiece item
Ethical Considerations
For Party
Questions to face:
- Keep for wealth vs. return to church?
- Use miraculous powers vs. preserve as relic?
- Sell vs. leverage for favors?
- Personal gain vs. righteous action?
- Practical need vs. sacred duty?
For Campaign
The chalice tests:
- Characters' moral alignment
- Relationship with faith
- Priorities (wealth vs. honor)
- Long-term thinking
- Party cohesion if disagreement
Connections