Montecristo
One of the smaller islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea has a long history. South of the larger island Elba, the island rises isolated yet idyllic out of the sea. The island’s verdant hills, cloaked in a tapestry of lush Mediterranean vegetation, roll gently across the terrain. Olive groves, cypress and large and ancient Oaks covers the island. The coastline of Montecristo reveals dramatic cliffs that defiantly meet the waters below. Hidden coves and secluded beaches, framed by weathered yellow rocks. Here monk seals lie and rest, only occasionally disturbed by the island's other monks.
The island was known to the Greek and Romans, the Romans called the island highest peak Mons Jovis, and on it erected an altar to the God. Part of the altar still remains, and have a faint Faerie Aura of 2 - eagles nest around it and protect it fiercely. As the Vandals sacked Rome, several hermits sought refuge on the island. St. Mamilian was one of them. A former Bishop fleeing conquered Sicily. It turned out the godly men fled the smoke into the fire. As the island was the lair of a dragon. Mamilian slew the dragon on the island, and also changed the island's name to Montecristo ("Christ's Mountain"). Through Mamilian left, the hermits, who had became his followers, lived on the island, and around 600 AD, a monastery was built. St. Mamilian travelled to Giglio, where he died. Inhabitants of Elba and Genoa attempted to steal Mamilian's relics on the very day of his burial and the saint's body was torn to pieces. In the end the island of Giglio only kept the saint's arm.
The Monastery of St. Mamilian is still active to this day, and has become both rich and influential. The Benedictine monks have become famous for their wealth and political power. Many nobles throughout Italy send sons and donations to the monastery. The monastery has a Divine Aura of 5. A bit away from the monastery lies St. Mamiliano Cave, where the saint defeated the dragon using a cross as his shield. Inside, there are numerous votive offerings that bear witness to the pilgrimages of sailors and pilgrims throughout the centuries. It has a stronger aura of 6, the spot is known and cared for by the monks.
Story Seed: The Count of Montecristo
The island is currently controlled by the monastery and the Republic of Pisa, but there are other claimants. The PCs find mysterious letters within another monastery or church. Deciphering them reveals they are from a Cardinal named Cesare Spada to his nephew and heir. They speak of a vast treasure hidden under the island. Research reveals that both the cardinal and heir were poisoned, seemingly by the nobles of Pisa. The treasure still lies unclaimed. The monks know nothing of it. Gathering the treasure could be used to show legitimacy and purchase the title of Count of Montecristo. The treasure is part of the dragon's original hoard, and might even include its unhatched eggs.