A Priest’s Last Prayer ⛪
Episode 3 of Shadows of the Unnamed - A Gothic Mystery for 3-6 Investigators (Levels 3-5)
“The time for games is over.” - Father Bernard’s final note
Introduction
The evening bells of St. Michael’s Chapel remain silent for the first time in decades. Father Bernard, the investigators’ trusted advisor since the museum incident, missed their scheduled meeting. Through stained glass windows, ethereal choir music echoes despite the empty pews within. Something is terribly wrong.
Part I: Phantom Hymns 🎵
The Prayer Garden
Moonlight bathes the normally welcoming garden in silver shadows. The chapel doors are locked - unusual for Bernard, who always preached “open doors, open hearts.”
Initial Investigation: - Garden path shows signs of struggle - Hidden key under specific statue (Bernard’s first puzzle) - Ghostly choir music grows louder - Notes in Bernard’s handwriting lead inside
The Main Chapel
Dark wood pews stretch into shadow, while the pipe organ plays itself - a haunting hymn that Bernard often hummed while working.
Security Measures: - Automated organ system (Bernard’s invention) - Hymn sequence unlocks secret passages - Sheet music forms musical riddle - Confessional hides mechanism
Dialogue Memory: “Music speaks when words fail, my friends. Remember that when you need me most.” - Bernard’s words from last week
Part II: Research and Revelation 📚
The Library Wing
Bernard’s research sanctuary lies in chaos - but the disorder holds meaning.
Investigation Elements: - Overturned desks form pattern - Books arranged in specific order - Hidden message in scattered papers - Void residue traces path
Key Discoveries: 1. Ritual requirements documentation 2. Cult hierarchy charts 3. Void god manifestation research 4. Museum artifact connections
Bernard’s Office
Personal touches make the revelation more painful: - Half-finished tea (still warm) - Family photos face down - Hidden safe behind portrait - Last warning partially written
Part III: The Turn 💔
The Discovery
In the chapel’s small side chamber, everything changes: - Bernard’s body, arranged ritually - Final message clutched tight - Void symbols drawn in blood - Cultist mask fragment nearby
Bernard’s Final Warning: “My children, I was right - and that’s why I’m already dead. The museum was just the beginning. The void god’s hunger grows. Trust no noble house. The masquerade… beware…”
Part IV: No More Games ⚔️
Bell Tower Chase
The murderers never left. Real combat replaces playful investigation.
Encounter Elements: - Cultists (HP: 55, AC: 15) - Multiple levels of ascent - Falling bell hazards - Height peril
Combat Features: - Swinging rope mechanics - Rolling bell dangers - Tactical high ground - Deadly intent
Running the Adventure 🎲
Tonal Progression
- Opening (Light)
- Familiar spooky setting
- Clever puzzles
- Musical mysteries
- Comfort of routine
- Middle (Building)
- Growing unease
- Serious clues
- Time pressure
- Environmental tension
- Revelation (Dark)
- Harsh truth
- Real loss
- Personal stakes
- No return
Key Scenes Guidance
- Let players enjoy initial puzzles
- Build tension through environment
- Make Bernard’s death impactful
- Allow emotional reactions
Significant NPCs
Father Bernard (Final Appearance)
- Elderly but sharp-minded
- Clever security designer
- Grandfather figure
- Last message crucial
Inspector Hayes (Reaction)
- Arrives too late
- Finally fully convinced
- Personally affected
- Vows justice
Location Details 🗺️
Main Chapel Features
- Gothic architecture
- Interactive organ system
- Hidden choir loft
- Secret passages
Library Section
- Research archives
- Personal study area
- Hidden safe room
- Evidence trail
Bell Tower
- Multiple levels
- Mechanical hazards
- Escape routes
- Height danger
Resolution
Success Conditions
- Recover Bernard’s research
- Understand final warning
- Survive cult encounter
- Honor his sacrifice
Failure Consequences
- Limited information gained
- Harder path forward
- Personal loss remains
- Cult advantage
Campaign Impact
Immediate Effects
- Tone permanently shifts
- Hayes fully committed
- Cult escalation begins
- Personal vendetta established
Future Hooks
- Noble houses suspected
- Masquerade invitation arrives
- Cult hierarchy revealed
- Museum connection deepens
“The light-hearted mystery dies with Bernard. From here, the shadows deepen.”
