Cup of Santiago

The cup of Santiago is hardly an inconspicuous item. It is a large chalice, big enough that, were it filled, it would take two hands to lift. The vessel is made of hammered gold and chased with a silver filigree. Twelve great gems (each worth 5,000 gp) are set in mounts of electrum to form a band around the rim. Overall, the craftsmanship is clearly the work of a goldsmith of extraordinary skill and artistry. Although it does not radiate magic, the cup is always bathed in a golden aura.

Constant Powers: Anyone of good alignment who touches the cup receives the benefits of a Bless spell. This lasts for 24 hours.

Invoked Powers: The powers of the cup are activated by filling it with holy water, usable once per day. If all of the water is drunk, it acts as a Cure Critical Wounds or Neutralize Poison spell, or it can be divided into three portions that act as Cure Light Wounds spells, although these fade in 12 hours.

Legend: The cup and talisman of Santiago (see Talisman) are major holy relics. The two artifacts are associated with Balera, God of Strength, War, and Healing.

According to the sect's dogma, the cup and talisman were given by Balera after a great disaster that brought untold devastation and suffering to the land. The two items appeared before the high priest in a dream. When the clergyman awoke, the cup and talisman were there, still sparkling with the radiance of the deity. Blessed with the items and the knowledge of their use, the holy man went out and cured the multitude of sick and injured people.

Unfortunately, the miraculous powers of the cup and talisman did not bring happiness to the people nor peace to the temple. When travelers returned to their distant homelands with tales of these two wonders, emperors, kings, and warlords coveted the items. Driven by greed and fear, they marched their armies and sent their agents, to seize the treasures.

Just what battles occurred and who won them is lost along with the names of those who fought for the artifacts. Perhaps one was victorious over the others only to have both treasures seized. Perhaps they were stolen. What is known is that when the wars finally ceased, they had disappeared forever.

Even today, however, the legend of their miraculous power lives on in expressions such as "cured by the cup" for any miraculous healing or "By the star of Santiago," an oath to ward off disease.

Suggested Means of Destruction

• The cup must be filled with water from the river Styx and the talisman dissolved in it.
• Ten thousand curses must be cast upon the talisman, and then it must be struck against the cup, destroying both.
• They must both be touched by the deity of disease and death.