Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo
In northern Apulia, Mount Gargano rises along the Adriatic coast. The location is quite famed, and rightfully so - as it was here Saint Michael the Archangel first appeared in western Mythic Europe. Since then he has appeared here a handful of times. As such a basilica has been constructed, standing upon the remains of an ancient necropolis, and sealing the entrance to the holy cave where the archangel first appeared.
A wealthy man of Sipontum owned a large herd of cattle, which he let loose upon Mount Gargano. The wealthy man became enraged with a bull that had strayed from his herd. When he found the bull at the mouth of the cave, he shot it with a poisoned arrow, in anger. Miraculously the arrow reversed its trajectory in mid-flight and killed the wealthy man instead. Hearing of this mysterious event, the Bishop of Sipontum instructed the local citizens to fast for three days. During the course of the fast, St Michael appeared to the bishop and revealed to him the significance of the event.
The year was 490 AD, the Archangel Michael appeared several times to the Bishop of Sipontum and showed him the cave. The angel instructed the bishop that the cave must be dedicated to Christian worship and promised protection of the Sipontum from future pagan invaders.The bishop heeded the demands and advice and brought his flock to the cave. Indeed, warfare and barbarians soon reached Sipontum. As they did Michael once again appeared. Intercession on behalf of the Sipontans and the allied Beneventans against the invading pagan Neapolitans. On the eve of the battle, Michael appeared with his flaming sword atop the mountain; the Sipontans and Beneventans were victorious.
Many Sipontans were in great doubt and fear as to whether they dare enter the holy grotto, so they consulted their bishop again. Once more the angel appeared to the bishop and told him that there was no need to consecrate the grotto chapel since he had already done so. St. Michael instructed the bishop to enter the cave first and conduct mass. In the cavern, he discovered an altar, already covered with a red cloth. The bishop then appointed priests and psalm-singers to conduct daily services in the grotto-chapel. Sweet water seeped from the ceiling stone beyond the altar. From which the locals drank, via a glass vessel suspended by a silver chain near the source, the dripping water heals all manner of infirmities.
The basilica has a Divine Aura of 4, while the grotto-chapel has one of strength 6. The well has been erected around the spring, it is full of votive offerings, drinking from its holy water gives a +6 to the character's next Recovery Roll. The grotto is decorated as a church with pews and an altar. There is also a marble bishop's throne supported on crouching lions.
Story Seed: Magi’s Avarice?
The holy water is discovered to be a Vis Source, which appears to not even be divinely tainted. Perhaps the spring is in a lacuna, or perhaps it's simply God’s will. A local magi is happy to interpret it as the later, yet when people in Sipontum once again start seeing Michael one has to wonder. The archangel has appeared speaking of falsehood and God being denied his tithe. Could it mean the vis? Or is it perhaps someone else in the herd who has caused offence.