The Ring of Splendor
Relics of the 3rd Kingdom: The Legend
of the Ring of Splendor
In the annals of history, few artifacts carry the weight of authority
quite like the Ring of Splendor. Worn by the monarch of the 3rd Kingdom,
this isn't merely a piece of decorative jewelry; it is a heavy badge of office,
a symbol of absolute power designed to be recognized from the furthest corners
of a crowded throne room.
A Design Fit for a Golden Age
The Ring of Splendor is a signet-style piece defined by its massive scale
and intricate symbolism. At its heart sits the "Blood-Sun" Ruby,
a massive, oval-cut stone that is entirely unblemished. In the lore of the
Kingdom, rubies are not just gemstones; they are believed to hold the vitality
of the land itself. The stone's flawless clarity represents the monarch’s
unclouded judgment.
Encircling this fiery centerpiece is a halo of platinum set with
emeralds. This feature is known as the "Green Belt," representing the
fertile lands that surround the capital and protect the heart of the realm.
The band itself is forged from Celestial Gold. Unlike common
metals, this rare alloy never tarnishes and remains perpetually warm to the
touch, a physical reminder of the monarch’s enduring warmth toward their
people. Flanking the central sunburst are two high-relief figures—Rampant Lions
(or perhaps Griffins, depending on which dynastic historian you ask). Facing
outward, these guardians signify that the King or Queen’s power extends all the
way to the borders of the known world.
The Legend of Auric "The Gilded"
A ring of this magnitude required a creator of equal stature. It was
fashioned by the legendary master artisan Auric Vane, known to history
as Auric the Gilded or The Sun-Smith.
Auric’s story is one of humble beginnings. He was not born into nobility
but started as a lowly apprentice in the mines. His prodigious talent was first
discovered when he carved a perfect likeness of the King into a piece of raw
coal. Years later, as the 3rd Kingdom entered its Golden Age, the monarch
commissioned Auric to create a ring that would "shine as bright as the
noon sun, even in the dead of night."
The Price of Perfection
The creation of the Ring of Splendor is shrouded in a bittersweet legend.
It is whispered that Auric went blind immediately after completing the piece.
Legend has it that to fulfill the King’s request, Auric captured a
literal ray of sunlight to seal the ruby into its setting. The resulting
brilliance was the last thing his eyes ever beheld. When asked about his
sacrifice, Auric famously claimed he did not need to see anymore, for he had
already created perfection.
Solar Power and Magic
The prominent "Sunburst" motif radiating from the center
suggests that the 3rd Kingdom places extreme value on enlightenment and truth.
However, many believe the ring serves a function beyond the ceremonial. Some
believe it to be a magical object, granting the wearer the ability to detect
lies or command the unwavering loyalty of the "lion-hearted." Whether
magical or merely masterful, the Ring of Splendor remains a symbol of the 3rd
Kingdom’s glory.
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