Reliquary of St Benedict
Type
Sacred Relic - Religious artifact with protective powers
Status
Hidden in Monasterio del Santo Reino ruins
Overview
A small, intricately carved wooden reliquary containing a piece of Saint Benedict's physical remains (bone fragment). This sacred object is believed to possess powerful spiritual and protective properties, making it one of the most important treasures in the ruined monastery.
Physical Description
The Box
- Small, intricately carved wooden box
- Hinged lid that opens
- Decorated with images of Saint Benedict
- Symbols of his life and ministry depicted:
- The cross
- The Bible
- The staff
- Fine craftsmanship despite wooden construction
- Sized to be portable
Inscription
Bears a prayer to Saint Benedict:
- Asks for his intercession
- Requests his protection
- Inscribed on the exterior
- Written in Latin
- Part of the reliquary's sacred nature
The Relic
Inside the sealed compartment:
- Small piece of Saint Benedict's bones
- Most likely from finger or toe
- Carefully wrapped in cloth
- Sealed with wax for protection
- Preserved for centuries
Saint Benedict
- Christian monk and founder
- Created the Rule of Saint Benedict
- Basis for Western monasticism
- Patron saint of monks
- Patron saint of Europe
- Known for numerous miracles:
- Saved boy from drowning
- Cured woman of blindness
- Restored dead child to life
Connection to Monastery
Monasterio del Santo Reino was:
- Founded on Benedictine principles
- Dedicated to his rule
- Home to his followers
- Named partially in his honor
- Recipient of his relic for protection
Powers & Properties
Spiritual Protection
The relic is believed to have:
- Powerful spiritual properties
- Protective capabilities
- Ability to ward off evil
- Connection to Saint's intercession
- Divine blessing
Common Relic Abilities
Medieval belief in bone relics included:
- Protection from demons/evil
- Healing properties
- Divine favor for possessor
- Ability to bless or sanctify locations
- Protection during travels
- Aid in prayer and devotion
Game Mechanics
Could provide:
- Bonus against supernatural threats
- Protection from Infernus/demonic forces
- Bonus to Faith tests
- Divine intervention possibility
- Ward against curses or possession
- Healing when used in prayer
Location & Discovery
Current Position
Historical Context
- Brought to monastery at founding (794 AD)
- Survived Moorish raid (844 AD)
- Hidden or overlooked by raiders
- Preserved through decades
- Awaiting rediscovery (894 AD)
Value & Significance
To the Church
- Priceless sacred relic
- First-class relic (actual body part)
- Historical significance
- Connection to founding saint of monasticism
- Immense spiritual value
To Party
- Supernatural protection
- Leverage with church authorities
- Proof of monastery exploration
- Possible divine powers
- Aid against demons/supernatural
To Campaign
- Key item for monastery dungeon
- Potential weapon against Infernus
- Moral choice (keep vs. return)
- Connection to broader religious themes
- Plot device for church involvement
Strategic Uses
Against Infernus/Brother Thomas
If genuine demon or supernatural madness:
- Saint's relic might banish demon
- Could restore Thomas's sanity
- Protective ward during confrontation
- Divine weapon against darkness
- Solution to monastery threat
Church Relations
- Returning relic gains massive favor
- Proof of righteous deed
- Leverage for pardons/protection
- Access to church resources
- Reputation enhancement
Personal Power
- Wearing for protection
- Use in rituals or blessings
- Sanctify party's camp/hideout
- Protect against curses
- Aid faithful party members
Recovering the Reliquary
Challenges
- Navigate monastery ruins
- Survive traps (Perception Ob 4 for trap detection)
- Search chapel thoroughly (Perception Ob 3)
- Potentially face Infernus/Brother Thomas
- Escape with fragile wooden box
Best Approach
- Systematic search of chapel
- Respectful handling (for faithful)
- Use for protection if demon appears
- Careful transport to avoid damage
- Consider ultimate fate (keep, return, use)
Ethical Dimensions
For Faithful Characters
Questions arise:
- Is keeping relic sacrilege?
- Should it be returned to church?
- Can we use it as tool vs. revere as holy?
- Does possession require piety?
- What would Saint Benedict want?
For Practical Characters
Considerations:
- Material value (minimal - wooden box)
- Spiritual power (potentially immense)
- Political value (church leverage)
- Practical utility (protection)
- Opportunity cost (other treasures)
Connections