Sword of the Saints

Type

Holy Weapon - Blessed artifact

Status

Hidden in Monasterio del Santo Reino ruins

Overview

The Sword of the Saints is a large, double-edged sword with a handle of pure silver. Its blade is inscribed with holy symbols and prayers, and it glows with a soft, golden light. This weapon was a gift from the Pope himself and is said to have been blessed by angels, making it both a formidable weapon and a sacred artifact.

Physical Description

The Blade

• Large, double-edged design
• Inscribed with holy symbols throughout
• Covered in prayers (likely Latin)
• Glows with soft, golden light
• Well-crafted medieval longsword

The Handle

• Made of pure silver
• Substantial weight and value
• Ornate design befitting papal gift
• Comfortable grip despite precious material
• Cross-guard typical of period

The Glow

• Emits soft, golden light
• Supernatural luminescence
• Sign of divine blessing
• Provides illumination in darkness
• Visual marker of holiness

Divine Blessing

Papal Gift

• Gift from the Pope himself
• Highest religious authority's blessing
• Sent to monastery for protection
• Symbol of Church's favor
• Extreme honor for the monastery

Angelic Blessing

Said to be:

• Blessed by angels
• Touched by divine servants
• Imbued with heavenly power
• Protected by celestial forces
• More than mortal craftsmanship

Properties & Powers

Combat Abilities

Likely features:

• Enhanced damage against evil/undead?
• Ability to harm supernatural entities?
• Never dulls or breaks?
• Strikes with divine authority?
• Bypasses certain protections?

Holy Powers

Possible effects:

• Turns undead or demons?
• Protects wielder from corruption?
• Smites unholy creatures?
• Radiates protective aura?
• Channels divine power?

The Light

The golden glow provides:

• Natural light source (no torch needed)
• Revelation of hidden evil?
• Comfort to the righteous?
• Discomfort to the wicked?
• Symbol of divine presence?

History at the Monastery

Arrival (circa 794-844 AD)

• Sent by Pope as protection
• Housed in the monastery
• Maintained by the monks
• Used in defense of the faith?
• Symbol of monastery's importance

The Raid (circa 844 AD)

During Moorish attack:

• Used by defending monks?
• Brother Thomas may have wielded it?
• Hidden before capture?
• Overlooked by raiders?
• Survived the destruction

Current Location

In the Ruins

The sword remains:

• Hidden in monastery depths
• Part of general treasure trove
• Protected by traps and collapse
• Guarded by Infernus/Brother Thomas?
• Waiting to be discovered

Discovery

Finding the sword requires:

• Thorough exploration of ruins
• Surviving deadly traps
• Confronting supernatural threat
• Search of multiple chambers
• Possibly Perception check

Significance

Against Infernus

The sword may be:

• Weapon capable of harming the demon
• Tool for exorcising Brother Thomas
• Protection against madness
• Key to defeating the threat
• Designed for exactly this purpose

Religious Value

To the Church:

• Priceless papal gift
• Symbol of divine favor
• Powerful holy weapon
• Historical significance
• Must be recovered or protected

Material Value

Even without powers:

• Pure silver handle
• Master craftsmanship
• Historical provenance
• Papal blessing
• Extremely valuable

Wielding the Sword

Requirements

May require:

• Pure heart or righteous intent?
• Religious faith or devotion?
• Specific blessing or ritual?
• Simply proper skill?
• Worthiness test?

In Combat

Practical considerations:

• Large, two-handed weapon
• Requires strength and skill
• Silver handle quite heavy
• Provides light in darkness
• Draws attention (glowing)

Campaign Uses

Against Supernatural Threats

Perfect weapon against:

• Infernus/Brother Thomas
• Other demonic entities
• Anansi's possessed corpse?
• Any unholy creatures
• Forces of darkness

Plot Device

Could serve as:

• Key to monastery dungeon completion
• Church quest objective
• Symbol of divine intervention
• Tool for redemption story
• Macguffin for multiple factions

Party Decisions

What to do with it:

• Use against Infernus
• Return to Church for massive reward
• Keep as powerful weapon
• Sell to collector (sacrilege?)
• Gift to religious character

Game Mechanics

Combat Stats

Possible bonuses:

• Extra damage dice
• Bonus vs evil/undead
• Armor penetration
• Cannot be broken
• Requires attunement?

Special Abilities

• Channel divine smite
• Turn/destroy undead
• Dispel darkness
• Protect from corruption
• Detect evil?

Connections

• Monasterio del Santo Reino - Current location
• Brother Thomas - May have used it in defense
• Infernus - Designed to defeat such threats?
• Golden Chalice of Tours - Fellow monastery treasure
• Reliquary of St Benedict - Fellow monastery treasure
• Bishop Adalardus of Tours - Received it for monastery
• The Pope (historical) - Original giver