The Crown of Skolia

The Crown of Skolia was the crown used by monarchs of Skolia until its collapse in AV 1281. It was the symbol of power in Skolia and passed through many generations of rulers.

Appearance

The crown of Skolia was said to be made of pure gold, but analysis shows that it is in fact made of iron covered in a thin layer of gold. The base is made up of a thin circlet, about two inches tall and a quarter inch thick. This circlet has been worked so that it appears to have been braided, and its studded around its top edge with tiny pieces of glass meant to look like diamonds to the untrained eye. On this base is an intricately wrought pattern of vines and leaves which is fashioned to look like plants woven around the crown's eight points. Each of these eight points is set with an emerald in the center of its tip. The points are also lined by what is probably hundreds of tiny seed pearls. Some of these pearls have gone missing over the centuries, either because they were stolen or they have been knocked free due to mishandling.

Historical Significance

The crown of Skolia has been in use since the second king of Skolia, who had it commissioned as a symbol of his wealth and position. It was subsequently declared the official symbol of the monarchs of Skolia, and has made its way onto many a family crest of the royal families. A replica was fashioned several generations later, after a theft attempt on the original crown. This replica looks almost exactly the same, excepting its gems, which were fashioned from glass instead. The original crown was locked in a secure vault shortly afterward, and only came into use during events of high importance, such as coronations, weddings, and visits from other royalty or foreign ambassadors. In all other situations, the replica crown was used to combat the risk of theft.

When the last king of Skolia died in AV 1281, the crown was stolen in the ensuing chaos by Dietrich Mossforge, the prince. It was carried to the city of Westport, where it was hidden for fear of exacting consequences from the prince's opponents. The crown was reported as missing and despite many searches of the old capital, Starhaven, Dietrich's rivals were unable to find it. It was not until after Dietrich's death that the crown was discovered by his son, Ulrich. It was turned over to the historical society in Skolia's old capital, Starhaven, to do with as they saw appropriate.

Current Whereabouts

The crown and its replica are both located in the Museum of Skolian History in Starhaven. After testing to determine the exact structure and makeup of the crown and its embellishments, it was placed in a secure box under heavy security measures. The replica was placed nearby under similar guard, as even the replica is historically significant. Theft attempts have been made on both models, but each has been stopped before the crowns could be removed from the building. The Museum of Skolian History aims to preserve the history of Skolia and to educate both those descended from Skolians and those with no connection to the old kingdom on that history.

The kingdom of Streyburg, whose monarch is a direct descendant of House Mossforge, an ancient Skolian line, has relinquished their claim on the crown and uses a different crown, citing the original's ties to the old country and old traditions, while the current monarchy wishes to lose its association with the old Skolia and its archaic beliefs.