The Mycelial Crown

The Mycelial Crown is not forged of metal nor carved from stone, but grown from the interwoven mycelia of various subterranean fungi, primarily the ubiquitous Gloomfungus. It is not an object of beauty, but one of grotesque, organic power, pulsating with a faint, sickly light.

Unlike the crowns worn by dwarven monarchs, which symbolize authority and lineage, the Mycelial Crown signifies control over the Gloomstrands, those vast, subterranean networks that permeate the Iron-Grip Mountains. It serves as a conduit for manipulating the fungal consciousness, allowing the wearer to tap into its collective awareness and exert influence over its growth and behavior. It is said to be the creation of the Gloom Weavers, and is likely to be tied to a new area, the Mycelial Throne.

Historically, the crown is shrouded in mystery. The Chapter of Fungi warns against its creation, detailing the potential consequences of uniting the fungal consciousness under a single will. Some whisper that it was crafted by a reclusive mycologist named Fendel Stonecap, but his notes are now lost. It seems to amplify The Cacophony. Its existence is a direct challenge to the Silent Monks of Durin's Peak, who seek balance in all things, but also to the Truthseekers, and their claim over the nature of the real. I theorize it can only be destroyed by Valia, the Empty. Perhaps the Cobalt Corsairs would find it worthless, yet the Gnomish Tinkers would try to understand how it functions. Is it possible the Forgotten Smith attempted to destroy it? The crown would have to be defended from the Chitinous Swarm, or perhaps it can be used to control the swarm instead. Wearing it is sure to give one The Gaze of the Deep. This creation would only hasten the Great Unmaking. Perhaps only the Sunstone of Aethelgard can destroy it.