Chapel of Saint Brenna#
- Type: Chapel / Sacred Flame holy site
- Region: About 1 mile north on Champion’s Way, then a quarter mile west; in the outer city
- Status: Cleared — scepter recovered; mephits still in residence in the undercroft
A deteriorating chapel rises atop a small hillock in a desolate residential borough. Despite heavy damage, its dome slate roof still rises above the surrounding townhouses. One of the two cylindrical towers flanking the arched double door entrance has collapsed entirely; the other still contains a spiral staircase going both up and down. A small stone terrace with benches and a sundial connects to a walled garden behind.
The chapel was dedicated to Saint Brenna, the founding flame keeper of this congregation. It predates the split between the Silver Order and the Followers of the Falling Fire, so the books and texts inside reflect the older, unified tradition.
Sanctuary (Ground Floor)#
Three alcoves hold large statues:
- North: Saint Tarna, holding steadfast against a massive two-headed demon with tentacle arms. Inscription: “Saint Tarna holds silver truth that opens the way to the healing light of the sacred flame.”
- East: Saint Vitruvio, stoic in plate armor — the patron saint of Drakkenheim
- West: Saint Brenna, shown performing the miracle of resurrection
At the heart of the sanctuary is a three-tiered stone altar with a large bronze brazier (petrified wood and ashes within). Prayer benches, a small altar box, a silver ewer, and three vials of anointed oils remain. Spell scrolls were left on the altar: Bless, Fairy Fire, 2x Continual Flame.
Frescoes of saints and martyrs cover the walls. The roof reeks of bitumen/wax from decades of candle smoke.
Undercroft (Crypt)#
The spiral staircase descends past a locked iron portcullis to the main undercroft — rows of alcoves filled with urns, clay pots, and painted vases. Niches in three central pillars hold human skulls with half-melted candles. Iron chandeliers and candelabras burn with magical purple-green and octarine hues. A peculiar breeze stirs small dust devils through the space.
Residents: Three mephits have sheltered here for approximately two years — a magma mephit, a smoke mephit, and a dust mephit. They were sent on a suicidal Amethyst Academy scouting mission and fled to safety. They are harmless and ask only that the portcullis be locked behind visitors.
Two heavy oak doors lead east. Each is opened by a rotating metal pedestal mechanism (strength athletics check required; door must be held open continuously). Both pedestals must be operated simultaneously to open the lower Dragon Door.
Preparation Chamber (East Wing)#
A circular stone font of fresh holy water. Inscription: “May the sacred flame keep vigil over the souls of our revered dead.”
Five murals depict the Sacred Flame funeral rites: (1) washing the body, wrapping in linen, collecting weapon/shield/helm; (2) placing body on slab with holy symbol and gemstones on each eyelid; (3) anointing with holy water; (4) lighting candles; (5) reading from scroll while joined in hymn.
Worn shelves hold vials, tools, dusty scrolls, and linens.
Sarcophagus Chamber (East, First Level Down)#
Six stone slabs bearing preserved skeletal remains of Sacred Flame paladins and clerics. Bodies are prepared with tattered cloth, silk sashes over the eyes, and hold torches and candle snuffers. Disturbing the remains causes them to reanimate. Performing the full funeral rite (using holy water, replacing items, lighting candles, reciting a hymn) properly lays them to rest permanently.
One sarcophagus held a +1 greatsword with celestial runes (“No darkness is eternal while our faith fuels the flame”) — recovered by the party.
Inner Sanctum / Dragon Door (Deepest Level)#
Stone door engraved with a majestic dragon, same inscription as the greatsword. Opens when both pedestal mechanisms are operated simultaneously.
Inside: a large pyre (now lit) and a statue of Saint Vitruvio with hands raised to the heavens, bearing the Scepter. The scepter requires the bearer to be illuminated (fairy fire, continual flame, or similar) and to recite the Sacred Flame prayer before it can be lifted.
Saint Brenna’s Crypt (Deep, Old Passage)#
A rougher, more ancient passage leads further down to Saint Brenna’s sealed burial chamber — a single stone slab surrounded by candelabras. Her mummified body rested here until disturbed; she reanimated as a tormented undead when the door was opened. She has since been defeated and her body left at rest.
Log
- Session 6
- Party fully explored; recovered Scepter of Saint Vitruvio and +1 greatsword
- Saint Brenna defeated; mephits spared and given ball bearings; portcullis re-locked as promised
- Falling Fire acolytes (led by Brother Katja Braun) were present at the entrance