I have recently gotten back into some TTRPG gaming, after a very extended break. For the first time in about 15 years I’m gaming semi-regularly and rediscovering the joy and expressive and imaginative freedom that it brings. Though I’ve rarely been a GM for games, I have always loved thinking up scenarios and game ideas. So I thought why not start posting some when I think of them and if someone wants to use one or if they can garner some inspiration from my ideas, win/win.
The Blood of Saint Eugenia
The coterie (group of player characters) is summoned to a remote monastery in the mountainous region of Bohemia. The Prince of Prague has received troubling reports that the monks have unearthed a relic—a vial said to contain the blood of Saint Eugenia, rumored to have potent powers against the Kindred. The coterie is tasked with recovering the relic discreetly before word spreads and endangers the undead populace in the region.
However, upon their arrival, the coterie discovers that the monastery is in chaos. Strange happenings have occurred ever since the relic was discovered, and a powerful supernatural force appears to be involved. As they delve deeper, the coterie realizes that both mortal and vampiric forces have taken an interest in the relic, each with their own sinister motives.
Setting
Location: A secluded, fortified monastery hidden within the forested mountains of Bohemia, surrounded by mist and steep cliffs. The monastery dates back centuries and is filled with crumbling stonework, candle-lit chapels, crypts, and secret passages.
Time Period: Mid-12th century, during a time of political turmoil and religious fervor.Key NPCs
Abbot Gregorius (Mortal): The leader of the monastery, a devout yet paranoid old man who believes the relic is a sign from God. He suspects dark forces are at play and is wary of outsiders.
Brother Wilhelm (Ghoul): A monk secretly under the influence of a rival vampire faction. He seeks to steal the relic for his master.
Lady Sofia of Clan Tremere (Vampire): A mysterious Tremere who arrived days before the coterie. She claims to be investigating the relic but may have ulterior motives.
The Wraith of Saint Eugenia (Antagonist): A tormented spirit bound to the monastery, angry at the desecration of her resting place. She manifests through haunting visions and poltergeist activity.
The Prince’s Agent (Contact): The coterie’s handler who gives them the mission. Unbeknownst to the coterie, he has been compromised and is feeding information to the Tremere.Adventure Flow
- The Summons – The session begins with the coterie receiving a summons from the Prince of Prague. He informs them of the monastery and the potential danger the relic poses. They are ordered to retrieve it with utmost discretion.
The coterie travels through dangerous terrain, facing potential ambushes by bandits or wild animals as a warm-up encounter. - Arrival at the Monastery – The coterie arrives to find the monastery in disarray. The monks are uneasy and whisper of strange visions and miracles. Some are fearful, while others are zealously protecting the relic.
Abbot Gregorius is initially hostile, refusing outsiders entry but eventually allows the coterie in when convinced (through social maneuvering or intimidation). - Investigating the Relic – The coterie can explore different parts of the monastery:
The Chapel: Where the relic is kept. It is heavily guarded, and the monks have set up wards (holy symbols, incense) to protect it.
The Library: Contains records of the monastery’s history and mentions of Saint Eugenia’s death under mysterious circumstances.
The Catacombs: A dark and maze-like crypt where the body of Saint Eugenia was originally interred. The restless spirit of the saint may confront the coterie here.
Clues suggest that Brother Wilhelm is not who he appears to be. Players may also encounter Lady Sofia lurking in the shadows, investigating on her own. - The Haunting Escalates – As the coterie delves deeper into their investigation, supernatural phenomena intensify:
Flickering candle flames, blood seeping from the walls, whispered prayers that turn into screams.
The spirit of Saint Eugenia appears, accusing the monks of desecration and demanding her blood be returned.
The coterie must decide whether to appease the spirit, fight it, or find a way to lay it to rest. - The Betrayal – Lady Sofia or Brother Wilhelm attempts to steal the relic once the coterie locates it. A confrontation ensues, revealing that multiple factions are interested in the relic’s power.
The coterie discovers that the relic has a hidden effect: it can either heal mortals or weaken vampires, depending on how it is used. This revelation complicates their mission. - Climax – The Ritual in the Catacombs The adventure culminates in the catacombs, where the relic’s power is at its peak. The wraith of Saint Eugenia attempts to possess one of the monks or a member of the coterie to exact her revenge.
The coterie must fend off rival factions, pacify or banish the wraith, and secure the relic. How they choose to deal with it (destroy, use, or deliver it) will determine the story’s resolution.
Possible Endings
Delivering the Relic: The coterie successfully delivers the relic to the Prince. However, they may now be targets for those who still seek its power.
Keeping the Relic: The coterie keeps the relic, gaining a powerful asset but also new enemies and the lingering wrath of Saint Eugenia’s spirit.
Destroying the Relic: The coterie destroys the relic, potentially freeing the monastery from its curse but incurring the Prince’s displeasure.Hooks for Future Adventures
The Prince’s Wrath: If the coterie fails or keeps the relic, they may face repercussions from the Prince.
The Tremere’s Plot: Lady Sofia’s interest in the relic hints at deeper plots involving Clan Tremere’s experiments and ambitions.
The Wraith’s Curse: If the coterie fails to properly lay Saint Eugenia’s spirit to rest, they may be haunted in future adventures.
