The Deep Crown

The Deep Crown is Dovarim's ceremonial sign of collective rule, worn only in the most solemn sessions of the Moot and never treated as a single ruler's possession. Its bands are made from metals surrendered by rival clans after ruin taught pride to kneel. In furnace light it is beautiful: bronze, gold, dark iron, pale silver, and gem fire braided into one burden. Its authority lies in memory. Every generation sees that Dovarim's highest symbol is assembled from surrendered pride, and every ambitious house is reminded that even splendour must be contributed. Its cost is visible whenever a clan that gave metal to the crown is asked to give sons, stores, or pride again, and learns that surrendered splendour did not end obligation.