Crown of Three Tears - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:05, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:05:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 16 March 2026
Line 10:		Line 10:
	It is beyond the scope of this document to list every significant event involving the crown; a conservative estimate would suggest it is anywhere between five and seven hundred years old, and has been in constant use throughout this time.		It is beyond the scope of this document to list every significant event involving the crown; a conservative estimate would suggest it is anywhere between five and seven hundred years old, and has been in constant use throughout this time.

	Rather I will attempt to give an overview of the crowns history, and highlight events that seem particularly relevant today. I am indebted to the assistance offered by the scholars of Rundhal and ~~Kalapheim~~, and to the Navarr of the Swift Quill Striding who helped gather information from historians across the Empire.		Rather I will attempt to give an overview of the crowns history, and highlight events that seem particularly relevant today. I am indebted to the assistance offered by the scholars of Rundhal and Kalpaheim, and to the Navarr of the Swift Quill Striding who helped gather information from historians across the Empire.

	===Provenance of the Crown===		===Provenance of the Crown===

Twiggy at 13:44, 4 February 2026

2026-02-04T13:44:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 4 February 2026
Line 35:		Line 35:

	====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====		====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====
	A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold led the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer ~~Realm~~, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of people because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.		A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold led the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer realm, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of people because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.

	A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the ~~Eternal~~ realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.		A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the eternal realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.

	A similar tale is apparently told among the [[Jotun]], although in their case the Jarl of Jarls is credited with securing the peace treaty and receiving the five gifts.		A similar tale is apparently told among the [[Jotun]], although in their case the Jarl of Jarls is credited with securing the peace treaty and receiving the five gifts.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:40:08Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 15 January 2026
Line 48:		Line 48:
	The King was no fool however – he knew that if the Empress did unite the Bay of Catazar, even for a short time, she would be irresistible. He returned to Kalpaheim full of uncertainty and sought the advice of his counsellors.		The King was no fool however – he knew that if the Empress did unite the Bay of Catazar, even for a short time, she would be irresistible. He returned to Kalpaheim full of uncertainty and sought the advice of his counsellors.

	In the end, however, the King was persuaded that the grand alliance might in fact work, in part due to the skilled diplomacy of a Highborn Wayfarer, Malachi of the Winds of Virtue. Alof personally helped lay the groundwork for the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], and was instrumental in ensuring that the leaders of the Empire represented the people, rather than governed them.		In the end, however, the King was persuaded that the grand alliance might in fact work, in part due to the skilled diplomacy of a Highborn Wayfarer, Malachi of the Winds of Virtue. Alof personally helped lay the groundwork for the [[Senate]], and was instrumental in ensuring that the leaders of the Empire represented the people, rather than governed them.

	Finally, when the nation joined the Empire, King Alof Bearning returned the crown to the Kallavesi mystics. It became not only a symbol for the unity of the three peoples of Wintermark, but for their union with the newborn Empire.		Finally, when the nation joined the Empire, King Alof Bearning returned the crown to the Kallavesi mystics. It became not only a symbol for the unity of the three peoples of Wintermark, but for their union with the newborn Empire.

Twiggy: /* Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn */

2025-08-06T17:42:28Z

Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 6 August 2025
Line 30:		Line 30:
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Queen Ilsin.png\|title=The magical standard itself is believed to be somewhere in the Navarr territory of Hercynia.\|caption=The banner of Queen Ilsin.\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Queen Ilsin.png\|title=The magical standard itself is believed to be somewhere in the Navarr territory of Hercynia.\|caption=The banner of Queen Ilsin.\|align=right\|width=300}}
	====Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn====		====Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn====
	The first is Queen Ilsin, during whose reign the crown was very nearly lost forever. Against the advice of her counsellors, she led an ill-fated crusade against the [[~~Vallorn~~]] of [[Hercynia]]. Trusting to the power of her runesmiths and icewalkers, the queen and a large number of her warriors attempted to root out the infestation with fire and steel.		The first is Queen Ilsin, during whose reign the crown was very nearly lost forever. Against the advice of her counsellors, she led an ill-fated crusade against the [[vallorn]] of [[Hercynia]]. Trusting to the power of her runesmiths and icewalkers, the queen and a large number of her warriors attempted to root out the infestation with fire and steel.

	Perhaps predictably, the attempt was a disaster and the queen and all her warriors were reportedly slain by an onslaught of ravenous vallornspawn. Hours before her death, Queen Ilsin entrusted the Crown of Three Tears to Carun White-Walker, widely considered one of the swiftest messengers of the Navarr people at the time, and he managed to break through the tide of monstrous assailants closing in around the Wintermark army. The crown was returned to Hahnmark, and Carun's impassioned tale of the Queen's courage in the face of certain death is remembered in Kalpaheim to this day.		Perhaps predictably, the attempt was a disaster and the queen and all her warriors were reportedly slain by an onslaught of ravenous vallornspawn. Hours before her death, Queen Ilsin entrusted the Crown of Three Tears to Carun White-Walker, widely considered one of the swiftest messengers of the Navarr people at the time, and he managed to break through the tide of monstrous assailants closing in around the Wintermark army. The crown was returned to Hahnmark, and Carun's impassioned tale of the Queen's courage in the face of certain death is remembered in Kalpaheim to this day.

Twiggy at 12:42, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T12:42:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 1 August 2025
Line 110:		Line 110:
	====Theories of Suleman of Cantiarch's Hold====		====Theories of Suleman of Cantiarch's Hold====
	The Highborn archivist Suleman of Cantiarch's Hold, made an extensive study of the bearers of the Crown of Three Tears. He petitioned to be allowed to examine the crown itself, but was politely rebuffed. Instead, he examined the lives of each of the monarchs of Wintermark and the heroes who followed them. His cautious analysis was that wearers of the crown tended to die violent deaths, usually in or shortly after battles. He suggested that the most likely explanation was that the traditions and customs of Wintermark itself meant that the kind of people wearing the crown – leaders and champions – tended to mean that they regularly found themselves in harm's way. He did note that while more bearers died violently than died peacefully (of old age or sickness), there was only one story where the bearer died of misadventure – and the death of King Ulfarn the Unready is regularly pointed to as being the result of an assassination rather than a dining accident.		The Highborn archivist Suleman of Cantiarch's Hold, made an extensive study of the bearers of the Crown of Three Tears. He petitioned to be allowed to examine the crown itself, but was politely rebuffed. Instead, he examined the lives of each of the monarchs of Wintermark and the heroes who followed them. His cautious analysis was that wearers of the crown tended to die violent deaths, usually in or shortly after battles. He suggested that the most likely explanation was that the traditions and customs of Wintermark itself meant that the kind of people wearing the crown – leaders and champions – tended to mean that they regularly found themselves in harm's way. He did note that while more bearers died violently than died peacefully (of old age or sickness), there was only one story where the bearer died of misadventure – and the death of King Ulfarn the Unready is regularly pointed to as being the result of an assassination rather than a dining accident.
	In the interests of balance, however, Suleman presents a second, alternative hypothesis but is quick to point out that it is just conjecture. He ~~theorizes~~ that the Crown of Three Tears is actually an extremely dangerous cursed item; that serendipity and synchronicity conspired to put anyone bound to it in dangerous, life-threatening situations and to make it more likely they would die as a result of these encounters.		In the interests of balance, however, Suleman presents a second, alternative hypothesis but is quick to point out that it is just conjecture. He theorises that the Crown of Three Tears is actually an extremely dangerous cursed item; that serendipity and synchronicity conspired to put anyone bound to it in dangerous, life-threatening situations and to make it more likely they would die as a result of these encounters.

	The Winterfolk cultural tendencies mean that they perceive the effect of this curse as a boon – it ensures that their leaders and heroes encounter important events during which they can make significant choices and shape their ''skein'' – and it cannot be denied that the wearers of the crown tend to live exceptional – if short and bloody – lives.		The Winterfolk cultural tendencies mean that they perceive the effect of this curse as a boon – it ensures that their leaders and heroes encounter important events during which they can make significant choices and shape their ''skein'' – and it cannot be denied that the wearers of the crown tend to live exceptional – if short and bloody – lives.
Line 120:		Line 120:
	By Spring 379YE, the curse had escalated to become the [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#The_Bane_of_Tradition\|Bane of Tradition]], causing conflict between the three traditions and threatening to tear the nation apart. Investigation by brave heroes uncovered evidence of a conspiracy; the Thule barbarians were using the Crown of Three Tears as a powerful focus to destroy Wintermark. The crowns role as a symbol of unity made it the perfect tool to try and tear that unity apart.		By Spring 379YE, the curse had escalated to become the [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#The_Bane_of_Tradition\|Bane of Tradition]], causing conflict between the three traditions and threatening to tear the nation apart. Investigation by brave heroes uncovered evidence of a conspiracy; the Thule barbarians were using the Crown of Three Tears as a powerful focus to destroy Wintermark. The crowns role as a symbol of unity made it the perfect tool to try and tear that unity apart.

	The Crown was eventually recovered by Imperial heroes during a vicious engagement with Thule forces in [[Hahnmark]], here the orcs were attempting to complete the final stage of their magic. As part of the ceremony needed to break this curse, General Erkenbrand of Tyrsholm was crowned the first champion of Wintermark since the fall of Ingvar Suvvisdottir, and the unity of Kallavesi, Steinr.and Suaq was re-affirmed.		The Crown was eventually recovered by Imperial heroes during a vicious engagement with Thule forces in [[Hahnmark]], here the orcs were attempting to complete the final stage of their magic. As part of the ceremony needed to break this curse, General Erkenbrand of Tyrsholm was crowned the first champion of Wintermark since the fall of Ingvar Suvvisdottir, and the unity of Kallavesi, Steinr, and Suaq was re-affirmed.

Dre at 09:33, 21 March 2025

2025-03-21T09:33:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 21 March 2025
Line 82:		Line 82:

	Hovat's account lacks details – the chaos of warfare makes it difficult to confirm his story – but the when the defenders fell back before the Thule army, Inga and her warriors were not among them.		Hovat's account lacks details – the chaos of warfare makes it difficult to confirm his story – but the when the defenders fell back before the Thule army, Inga and her warriors were not among them.
	<ic>The following two sections are out-of-date; the Crown was actually recovered by Imperial heroes during the Spring ~~Solstice~~, 379YE.</ic>		<ic>The following two sections are out-of-date; the Crown was actually recovered by Imperial heroes during the Spring Equinox, 379YE.</ic>
	====Current whereabouts of the Crown of Three Tears====		====Current whereabouts of the Crown of Three Tears====
	After the barbarians were driven out of Skarsind in 377YE a thorough search was made of the ruins of Gildenheim in the vain hope the crown could be found – there was however no sign of it. Interrogation of captured Thule revealed very little.		After the barbarians were driven out of Skarsind in 377YE a thorough search was made of the ruins of Gildenheim in the vain hope the crown could be found – there was however no sign of it. Interrogation of captured Thule revealed very little.

Dre at 12:31, 21 October 2024

2024-10-21T12:31:25Z

Dre at 17:53, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T17:53:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 29 December 2023
Line 30:		Line 30:
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Queen Ilsin.png\|title=The magical standard itself is believed to be somewhere in the Navarr territory of Hercynia.\|caption=The banner of Queen Ilsin.\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Queen Ilsin.png\|title=The magical standard itself is believed to be somewhere in the Navarr territory of Hercynia.\|caption=The banner of Queen Ilsin.\|align=right\|width=300}}
	====Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn====		====Queen Ilsin and the Vallorn====
	The first is Queen Ilsin, during whose reign the crown was very nearly lost forever. Against the advice of her counsellors, she ~~lead~~ an ill-fated crusade against the [[Vallorn]] of [[Hercynia]]. Trusting to the power of her runesmiths and icewalkers, the queen and a large number of her warriors attempted to root out the infestation with fire and steel.		The first is Queen Ilsin, during whose reign the crown was very nearly lost forever. Against the advice of her counsellors, she led an ill-fated crusade against the [[Vallorn]] of [[Hercynia]]. Trusting to the power of her runesmiths and icewalkers, the queen and a large number of her warriors attempted to root out the infestation with fire and steel.

	Perhaps predictably, the attempt was a disaster and the queen and all her warriors were reportedly slain by an onslaught of ravenous vallornspawn. Hours before her death, Queen Ilsin entrusted the Crown of Three Tears to Carun White-Walker, widely considered one of the swiftest messengers of the Navarr people at the time, and he managed to break through the tide of monstrous assailants closing in around the Wintermark army. The crown was returned to Hahnmark, and Carun's impassioned tale of the Queen's courage in the face of certain death is remembered in Kalpaheim to this day.		Perhaps predictably, the attempt was a disaster and the queen and all her warriors were reportedly slain by an onslaught of ravenous vallornspawn. Hours before her death, Queen Ilsin entrusted the Crown of Three Tears to Carun White-Walker, widely considered one of the swiftest messengers of the Navarr people at the time, and he managed to break through the tide of monstrous assailants closing in around the Wintermark army. The crown was returned to Hahnmark, and Carun's impassioned tale of the Queen's courage in the face of certain death is remembered in Kalpaheim to this day.

	====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====		====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====
	A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold ~~lead~~ the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer Realm, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of mortal men because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.		A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold led the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer Realm, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of mortal men because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.

	A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the Eternal realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.		A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the Eternal realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.

Emmanovi: inclusive language

2023-05-26T23:04:53Z

inclusive language

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:04, 26 May 2023
Line 55:		Line 55:
	After the end of the line of Kings and Queens, the [[Kallavesi]] mystics chose to bestow the crown on the Winterfolk hero they considered to best exemplify the virtues of Wintermark. While the final decision lay with the Kallavesi – as was the will of King Arnulf – in each case the mystics took counsel from the cleverest [[Suaq]] and the most courageous [[Steinr]]. The decision was never made lightly, and it was understood that only death would sever the tie between the hero and the crown.		After the end of the line of Kings and Queens, the [[Kallavesi]] mystics chose to bestow the crown on the Winterfolk hero they considered to best exemplify the virtues of Wintermark. While the final decision lay with the Kallavesi – as was the will of King Arnulf – in each case the mystics took counsel from the cleverest [[Suaq]] and the most courageous [[Steinr]]. The decision was never made lightly, and it was understood that only death would sever the tie between the hero and the crown.

	In the last 378 years, an estimated eighty-four ~~men and women~~ of Wintermark have worn the crown and stood as exemplars of Winterfolk unity. Of these, all save two held the crown until their deaths.		In the last 378 years, an estimated eighty-four citizens of Wintermark have worn the crown and stood as exemplars of Winterfolk unity. Of these, all save two held the crown until their deaths.

	Lordi the Far Walker abdicated his responsibility when it became clear that the wasting sickness he suffered for most of his life would soon claim it – he returned the crown to the Kallavesi before his final Walk northwards.		Lordi the Far Walker abdicated his responsibility when it became clear that the wasting sickness he suffered for most of his life would soon claim it – he returned the crown to the Kallavesi before his final Walk northwards.

Matt: /* As the Crown of Wintermark */

2022-06-06T10:06:05Z

As the Crown of Wintermark

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:06, 6 June 2022
Line 23:		Line 23:
	===As the Crown of Wintermark===		===As the Crown of Wintermark===
	The crown was passed from monarch to monarch through the history of Wintermark; when a king or queen died the Witan would select another to take their place. The ceremonial coronation always took place at the end of the Witan, marking the chosen King or Queen as the leader – but not the ruler – of the three peoples.		The crown was passed from monarch to monarch through the history of Wintermark; when a king or queen died the Witan would select another to take their place. The ceremonial coronation always took place at the end of the Witan, marking the chosen King or Queen as the leader – but not the ruler – of the three peoples.
	It is no coincidence that the method of choosing the King or Queen of Wintermark is similar to the method whereby the modern Empire chooses an Empress or Emperor – indeed, those Winterfolk who have held the Throne (Guntherm and ~~Mariika~~) ~~both~~ delayed their coronation until the end of the summit in honour of this old Winterfolk tradition.		It is no coincidence that the method of choosing the King or Queen of Wintermark is similar to the method whereby the modern Empire chooses an Empress or Emperor – indeed, those Winterfolk who have held the Throne (Guntherm, Mariika and Britta) all delayed their coronation until the end of the summit in honour of this old Winterfolk tradition.

	The list of Wintermark kings and queens is incomplete – but all existing stories confirm that they were crowned with the Crown of Three Tears. All Kallavesi, Steinr and Suaq recognise the crown – at the very least it adorns the Face of Ulmo, the massive carving of the Suaq First King that overlooks the Winterfolk “capital” of Kalpaheim.		The list of Wintermark kings and queens is incomplete – but all existing stories confirm that they were crowned with the Crown of Three Tears. All Kallavesi, Steinr and Suaq recognise the crown – at the very least it adorns the Face of Ulmo, the massive carving of the Suaq First King that overlooks the Winterfolk “capital” of Kalpaheim.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 21 October 2024
Line 16:		Line 16:
	After the war a victory celebration was held in Hahnmark. A traditional Steinr grand moot – a Witan – was called, where three representatives of each people spoke on the nature of their achievement and of what must be done next to survive. It is said that amidst the speeches the leaders of the Suaq, the Kallavesi and the Steinr each shed a single tear for the trolls, and that these three tears froze in an instant, becoming clear gems. These gems were collected by the most cunning of the Suaq hunters and set in a crown forged from the torcs and rings of the fallen heroes of the three people. The wisest of the Kallavesi mystics crowned wily Ulmo of the Suaq King of the Three Tears, ruler of a new nation, Wintermark. </quote>		After the war a victory celebration was held in Hahnmark. A traditional Steinr grand moot – a Witan – was called, where three representatives of each people spoke on the nature of their achievement and of what must be done next to survive. It is said that amidst the speeches the leaders of the Suaq, the Kallavesi and the Steinr each shed a single tear for the trolls, and that these three tears froze in an instant, becoming clear gems. These gems were collected by the most cunning of the Suaq hunters and set in a crown forged from the torcs and rings of the fallen heroes of the three people. The wisest of the Kallavesi mystics crowned wily Ulmo of the Suaq King of the Three Tears, ruler of a new nation, Wintermark. </quote>

	Without wishing to give offence to the Winterfolk, the story of the three tears is almost certainly a metaphor not intended to be taken literally. As with the stories of feathers, seals and falling stars, it is a fanciful tale that appeals to the romantic nature of the folk of the north-west. The Steinr, Suaq and Kallavesi had just waged and won a bloody war of extermination against the “trolls” (most likely a metaphor themselves for a powerful ~~nationof~~ orcs – several books have been written about this theory so we will not belabour it here).		Without wishing to give offence to the Winterfolk, the story of the three tears is almost certainly a metaphor not intended to be taken literally. As with the stories of feathers, seals and falling stars, it is a fanciful tale that appeals to the romantic nature of the folk of the north-west. The Steinr, Suaq and Kallavesi had just waged and won a bloody war of extermination against the “trolls” (most likely a metaphor themselves for a powerful nation of orcs – several books have been written about this theory so we will not belabour it here).

	The story of the forging of the crown itself, however, is certainly based in fact – examination has confirmed the story of its construction. The clear gemstones are unique, as near as can be ascertained – no jeweller has ever successfully identified them as anything other than “clear gems”, nor have any other gemstones with the precise hue, tone or translucence been encountered. This alone would be sufficient to make the crown a treasure beyond price.		The story of the forging of the crown itself, however, is certainly based in fact – examination has confirmed the story of its construction. The clear gemstones are unique, as near as can be ascertained – no jeweller has ever successfully identified them as anything other than “clear gems”, nor have any other gemstones with the precise hue, tone or translucence been encountered. This alone would be sufficient to make the crown a treasure beyond price.
Line 35:		Line 35:

	====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====		====King Yorick and the Thrones of Summer====
	A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold led the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer Realm, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of ~~mortal men~~ because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.		A little over fifty years later, the changeling King Yorick Bloodgold led the folk of Wintermark (the image here is purportedly a drawing of King Yorick found in the cellar of a house in Kalpaheim in 342YE). He wore the Crown of Three Tears to a “summit” attended by the nobles of the Summer Realm, representing the people of Wintermark. The details of the meeting are quite fanciful, and difficult to confirm. It is said that Queen [[Eleonaris]] of the Fields of Glory, Queen [[Cathan Canae]] of the Cold Wastes, Prince [[Jaheris\|Jaheris the Just]], King [[Hayaak]] of the Forest of Arden and King [[Rhianos]] of the Eternal Sea all greeted Yorick as an equal. They judged him to be a great ruler of people because in their eyes he rules over not one but three kingdoms. According to the tale, the crown allowed Yorick to endure the majestic presence of these five potent Eternals and gave his word great weight in their councils. During the meeting, peace was brokered between the warring Eternals – and a treaty agreed to limit the involvement of the Summer Eternals in the conflict between the Wintermark and the Jotun.

	A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the Eternal realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.		A footnote to this tale suggests that when Yorick returned from the Summer realm (presumably in reality this was a chamber somewhere between the mortal realm and the Eternal realm) he brought with him five gifts from the Eternal Kings and Queens.
Line 79:		Line 79:
	The final Wintermark hero to wear the crown was Inga Suvvisdottir. This courageous warrior was killed in 373YE during the fall of Skarsind. She was killed by Thule forces while defending Gildenheim, along with the majority of the warriors fighting alongside her.		The final Wintermark hero to wear the crown was Inga Suvvisdottir. This courageous warrior was killed in 373YE during the fall of Skarsind. She was killed by Thule forces while defending Gildenheim, along with the majority of the warriors fighting alongside her.

	An eye-witness, the grimnir Hovat the Bloody, says that her unit were attempting to fight through to relieve an impromptu field hospital that had been threatened by an unexpectedly successful push by the Thule. Her soldiers were ambushed by Thule archers, pinned down against the walls of Gildenheim, and surrounded by a significant force of warriors supported by a grim “empty eyed” warlock. With her companions falling left and right to remorseless attacks, Inga engaged the leader of the ambushing group - a massive pale-skinned warrior wearing midnight scale armour with a helmet in the shape of a roaring drake. She fell beneath his massive green-iron blade but not before she had inflicted a grievous wound on him.		An eye-witness, the grimnir, Hovat the Bloody, says that her unit were attempting to fight through to relieve an impromptu field hospital that had been threatened by an unexpectedly successful push by the Thule. Her soldiers were ambushed by Thule archers, pinned down against the walls of Gildenheim, and surrounded by a significant force of warriors supported by a grim “empty eyed” warlock. With her companions falling left and right to remorseless attacks, Inga engaged the leader of the ambushing group - a massive pale-skinned warrior wearing midnight scale armour with a helmet in the shape of a roaring drake. She fell beneath his massive green-iron blade but not before she had inflicted a grievous wound on him.

	Hovat's account lacks details – the chaos of warfare makes it difficult to confirm his story – but the when the defenders fell back before the Thule army, Inga and her warriors were not among them.		Hovat's account lacks details – the chaos of warfare makes it difficult to confirm his story – but the when the defenders fell back before the Thule army, Inga and her warriors were not among them.
	<ic>The following two sections are out-of-date; the Crown was actually recovered by Imperial heroes during the Spring Solstice, 379YE.</ic>		<ic>The following two sections are out-of-date; the Crown was actually recovered by Imperial heroes during the Spring Solstice, 379YE.</ic>
	====Current whereabouts of the Crown of Three Tears====		====Current whereabouts of the Crown of Three Tears====