Monasterio del Santo Reino
Type
Ruined Monastery - Dungeon/Adventure Location
Status
Abandoned ruins, active supernatural threat
Overview
The Monasterio del Santo Reino (Monastery of the Holy Kingdom) is a ruined Benedictine monastery near Valencia, destroyed in a Moorish raid approximately 50 years ago (circa 844 AD). Once a "beacon of hope and light," it now stands as a dark, crumbling testament to violence and tragedy, haunted by Brother Thomas/Infernus and filled with valuable treasures, deadly traps, and lost histories.
History
Foundation (circa 794 AD)
Commissioned by Bishop Adalardus of Tours:
- Chartered to establish Benedictine presence near Valencia
- Built on the principles of the Rule of Saint Benedict
- Intended as spiritual guidance for Eastern Iberia
- Gifted valuable treasures including Golden Chalice of Tours
- Meant to be "a refuge for all who seek the peace and joy of God"
The Glory Years (794-844 AD)
For approximately 50 years:
- Operated as peaceful monastic community
- Monks like Brother Thomas tended gardens, studied scripture
- Maintained valuable library with religious texts
- Accumulated sacred relics and treasures
- Served surrounding Christian communities
The Raid (circa 844 AD)
Moorish raiders attacked brutally:
- Slaughtered nearly all monks during evening prayers
- Brother Thomas was sole survivor
- Monastery ransacked and burned
- Valuable items stolen or destroyed
- Building reduced to ruins
- Survivors taken prisoner
The Aftermath (844-894 AD)
50 years of decay and horror:
- Thomas's descent into madness
- Summoning of Infernus (real or imagined)
- Periodic attacks on nearby villages
- Became place of terror and avoidance
- Treasures remain hidden in ruins
- Nature reclaimed much of the structure
Physical Description
Location
- Built atop a hill
- Overlooks coastline and river
- Surrounded by forests and rolling hills
- Once peaceful, now foreboding
- Difficult to find: entrance hidden behind overgrown vines (Perception Ob 3 with Religion Ob 3)
Exterior
- Broken and crumbling walls and gates
- Overgrown moat and collapsed drawbridge
- Buildings collapsed or burned
- Courtyards in disrepair
- Main abbey is charred shell with no roof
- High arches and stained glass long gone
Interior Areas
The Courtyard
- Dimly lit, crumbling stone walls
- Abandoned buildings surrounding
- Overgrown with vegetation
The Main Hall
- Relatively intact
- Dark and musty
- Cobwebs and debris everywhere
- Grand statue of patron saint (chipped and eroded) (Religion Ob 4 to identify)
The Chapel
- Desolate ruined space
- Collapsed ceilings, shattered windows
- Defaced frescoes and torn tapestries
- Cracked, broken floor
- Altar reduced to charred rubble
- Missing cross and candelabra
- Stench of decay
- Hidden reliquary findable (Perception Ob 3)
The Underground
- Series of winding tunnels and chambers
- Originally cellars and crypts
- Now filled with traps and pitfalls (Perception Ob 4)
- Remains of dead monks and explorers (Perception Ob 3)
- Hidden treasure caches (Perception Ob 3, Successes = Cash p374)
The Traps
Three major traps documented:
Pit Trap (B5 damage)
- Hidden corridor
- Disguised by loose floorboards
- Falls onto sharpened stakes below
Crossbow Trap (B4 damage)
- Pressure plate in narrow hallway
- Releases arrow barrage from wall crossbows
Tripwire Trap (Agility Ob 3, B1/B3/B5 damage)
- Stairwell location
- Causes victim to fall down stairs
- Variable damage depending on fall
The Deepest Chamber
In the monastery's lowest level:
- Final confrontation with Infernus/Brother Thomas
- "Powerful and ancient demon" (or mad monk believing himself possessed)
- Whether entity is genuinely supernatural or psychological unclear
- Defeating this threat is key to clearing the monastery
Treasures & Items
Sacred Artifacts
General Treasure
- Ancient manuscripts (Bible, Rule of Saint Benedict)
- Illuminated texts in Latin
- Religious artifacts (crosses, chalices, reliquaries)
- Gold, silver, precious stones
- Coins and jewelry left by previous explorers
- Weapons and practical items
- Hidden caches in tunnels
Historical Documents
- Journal of Brother Thomas - Documents his descent into madness
- Monastery records
- Letters and correspondence
- Ancient tome on summoning rituals (dangerous)
Current Threats
The Demon/Mad Monk
- Infernus or Brother Thomas's madness
- Emerges periodically to attack villages
- Returns to monastery between rampages
- "Eyes that burn with fire, voice like howling of damned"
- Speaks in biblical verses and archaic language
Physical Dangers
- Structural instability
- Deadly traps throughout
- Difficult navigation
- Isolation from help
Supernatural Elements
- Genuine demonic presence OR
- Powerful madness with supernatural effects
- Possible lingering curses or wards
- Haunted by memories of massacre
Patron Saint: Saint Benedict
The monastery's patron (6th century monk):
- Founder of Western monasticism
- Created Rule of Saint Benedict
- Patron saint of monks and Europe
- Known for miracles
- Central statue remains in main hall (damaged)
Adventure Hooks
For the Party
- Valuable treasure to loot
- Stop village attacks by Infernus/Thomas
- Investigate supernatural mystery
- Recover sacred artifacts for church
- Find Thomas's journals for information
- Explore Christian-Muslim conflict history
Challenges
- Navigate traps and ruins
- Confront Infernus/Thomas
- Moral complexity of dealing with mad monk
- Avoid structural collapse
- Decide what to do with treasures
Rewards
- Substantial wealth (artifacts, coins, gems)
- Sacred items with special properties
- Historical knowledge from journals
- Reputation for stopping demon attacks
- Possible church favor if artifacts returned
Connections