““The Empyreans had fallen. But unbeknownst to all but a few, some fragments of their elevated existence remained. Many were lost through the ages. But one survived and was used to weave a tapestry of death and decay that would become the Defiled Crown. The Prophecy draws near.”
— Unknown
The Prophecy[]
In an archaic time, long ago
There were once [gods/rulers/spirits] among the stars
Eight times removed from the rest of the creation
But ten thousand deities the universe could not contain
And so, they fought an unimaginable war in heaven, the [UNTRANSLATABLE]
Ichor flew, and sections of the cosmos were swept clean
When it was done, none were left
Their [shards/fragments/cores] were scattered to the winds
Dwindling over eons, until only one would remain
This one will be used to create a twisted laurel
Possessing of a terrifying and [evil/depraved/somber] power
To be passed on from host to host, killing as it grows
Alas, [UNTRANSLATABLE] will soon begin
The stars can [hear/realize/warn] it all
For when the defiled crown meets the endless plague
A threat unparalleled since that age will emerge
And none will be [safe/secure/assured]
From the great and furious deluge
Description[]
The Defiled Crown has been universally ascribed to a set of visual characteristics that detail a highly unusual and unstable object.
Although all known reports of encounters with the artifact have described a broad range of anomalous phenomena resembling the aftermath of a Type 1-S space-time warping event, witnesses have been unable to discern finer details in the Defiled Crown's structure. Additionally, during periods of activity, the relic has been reported to exude an indistinct reddish haze; this haze induces complete and utter sensory deprivation in all individuals within an unspecified radius.
However, several extraterrestrial sources have referenced several basic features conforming with the approximate description written by an unknown wanderer in 1793 AD (accounting for corrections in time systems since that year). This wanderer mentions the following characteristics:
- A spherical full-cover helmet constructed of what is described as an unusually iridescent obsidian;
- A neck-guard made from the same material;
- A large, ring-like apparatus so absorbent of radiation that it was described as 'consuming all light around its form';
- A series of spikes, composed of what appeared to be a similar material to that of the neck-guard and helm, spaced evenly along the length of the ring;
- A unique, triangular (equilateral) arrangement of glowing circles oriented to the right of the object which is theorized to be the method by which wearers of the artifact can observe the outside world, despite the lack of apparent viewing ports.
The object also possesses a multitude of anomalous capabilities associated with the specific structure and the nature of the object itself. It seems to provide the wearer with extremely potent optokinetic and semi-magical abilities. The specifics of these abilities are unclear, but they elevate 'mere mortals to the status of gods' in a single go.
However, if a wanderer is to somehow stumble upon this object, it is strongly suggested to not pick it up or wear it; all recorded 'hosts' have perished from others seeking to utilize its capabilities, or from gradual degradation of the user's body until the host--soul and all--is absorbed into the greater mass of the artifact. Additionally, a few sources have referenced a mind-altering capability of the relic inflicted upon the host: negative personality traits are accentuated, and actions tend to be extremely violent and destructive.
History[]
Most of what we know about the Defiled Crown's supposed history is based on legends and mythology. Such sources are biased towards certain perspectives, therefore the legitimacy of the following information is to not be taken at face value.
That being said, the Defiled Crown is believed to have originally been created by the advisor to The Divine One, supposedly serving as the antithesis to the Crown of The Throne. How exactly it was forged is unknown, but legends claim that it occurred within the fires of a black sun and that the advisor had 'channeled a power beyond himself' to facilitate it. Exactly what kind of power it was remains unanswered.
When the advisor donned the crown, a plague of corruption known as "The Festering" was unleashed, which destabilized The Backrooms into its current liminal state. After the advisor was defeated and sealed away, the "gilded warriors" would defeat the Festering, eradicating it.
Beyond this point, the artifact's history becomes less clear. The Defiled Crown would randomly turn up on several other occasions over time, though its current whereabouts remain unknown.
Author: Mctoran and Syncronyzer