On this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, we're heading back to medieval Paris for one of the most dramatic exits in history. Picture this: a cold March morning in 1314, a massive crowd gathered on the Île de la Cité, and Jacques de Molay—the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar—chained to a pyre in the shadow of Notre Dame.

As the flames rise, Molay doesn’t scream. He speaks. And what he says? It sounds like a curse.

We dive deep into the infamous Templar Curse—the chilling prophecy Molay delivered moments before his death. Did it really doom a pope, a king, and an entire dynasty? Or is it all just a medieval mic drop with some seriously spooky timing?

Along the way, we unravel the rise and fall of the Templars, their legendary treasure (maybe even in the Americas 👀), and the mysterious underground world of Portugal’s secret Templar sites.

History, myth, fire, and a bit of revenge from beyond the grave? Yeah, we’re into it.

If you've enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of this episode, I think you'll love my book, The Templar Enigma.

Here's what it's all about:

A TEMPLAR CURSE. AN ANCIENT PROPHECY. A PULSE-POUNDING RACE AGAINST TIME.

In 1314, a dying Grand Master swore vengeance. Now, the curse is awakening...

When a modern-day Templar descendant unearths the key to unlocking that ancient power—the legendary Seal of Solomon—he sets in motion a plan that could collapse the modern world.

Only one person stands in his way.

Enter Eden Black—archaeologist, adventurer, and accidental hero. As the countdown to global chaos begins, Eden races from forgotten crypts to desert ruins, unraveling a conspiracy centuries in the making. But as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes the greatest secret of all… is her own.

If you’re into ancient mysteries, secret societies, and edge-of-your-seat adventure, The Templar Enigma is your next obsession.

Join the quest today!

• The Templars, at their zenith, represented the first multinational corporation in history.
• Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314 marked the beginning of a significant historical changes.
• The Templar curse seemingly manifested through the swift demise of Pope Clement V post-execution.
• King Philip IV of France suffered a fatal accident shortly after condemning Jacques de Molay.
• The unexpected deaths of Philip's sons led to the collapse of a royal dynasty.
• The theories surrounding the Templar treasure continue to spark intrigue and speculation today.

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city...