The Crown of Coral

WIP - Summer Camp 2023

The Crown of Coral was the crown worn by every single triton of the Mareni Empire. Sculpted from live rock under the orders of the first triton, coral was cultivated and shaped over the years to produce this ever-changing symbol of power.
After the fall of the Mareni Empire in 3184 EA, the crown was lost for almost two hundred years. It was found again in 3347 EA by a group of children exploring the older parts of the city of Erevenor. Though it was neglected and a little damaged, much of the coral was still living. It was then taken as a symbol of power by the leader of the city, a merfolk woman known to history only as the Lady of Pearls. Though she never wore the crown, she kept it on display in her palace and made sure it was tended to and reshaped as needed. This started a tradition that has lasted throughout the history of the city, and the many cultures who have called it home.
At one point, a ruler decided that he would wear the crown, but he met an unfortunate end rather quickly afterwards. This has happened three separate times in the crown's history. It is now considered very bad luck to put the crown on.
In 4629 EA, the crown was broken into several pieces after it was knocked to the ground during a children's game that got out of hand. By this point, the crown held so much symbolism tied in with the prosperity of the city and the suitability of the ruler that a short, bloody coup quickly followed. The crown was painstakingly repaired, but the scars of the breaks still mar the surface of the rock.
Today, the crown still sits in the throne room of the palace in Erevenor, prominently on display next to the throne.