The White Crown

Artifact of the Shen Family

Overview

The White Crown is the greatest of the The Shen Family relics, worn only by the head of the family and commander of the Lelien Empire's Armies. Crafted from silver, bone, and the mane of the White Lion founder, it radiates a presence so vast that even armies feel its weight. To wear the Crown is to embody not only command but the impossible perfection the Shen demand of themselves and others. Currently, it rests upon the brow of Shen Dai, the stern and unyielding patriarch of the Shen line.

Appearance

The Crown is simple yet regal: a circlet of white steel and polished bone, crowned with a stylized lion’s profile at the front. Strands of the White Lion’s mane are interwoven, drifting faintly as though in a phantom wind. When lit by the sun, the mane glimmers with faint golden undertones, though in shadow it remains stark and pale.

Abilities

Aura of Command (120 ft): Allies who can see the wearer gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws. This effect inspires confidence in soldiers and steadies the will of those who fight under the wearer’s gaze.

Unyielding Resolve: The wearer cannot be magically frightened or charmed.

Predator’s Dread (120 ft): Enemies within the aura feel hesitation before attacking the wearer. Any hostile creature that targets the wearer with an attack or harmful ability must first succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or choose a different target. (This saving throw is repeated each time the enemy attempts to attack the wearer.)

Upgraded Abilities

Extended Dominion (300 ft): All aura effects extend to a massive 300 feet.

Iron Unity: Allies within the aura who are under the wearer’s command roll saving throws against fear and charm with advantage. If a similar effect is generated by another item in this set, the allies may roll three dice and take the highest.

Lion’s Defiance (1/day): As an action, the wearer can make all allies within the aura immune to fear and charm effects for 1 minute. Any such effects already afflicting them end immediately.

Legacy and Burden

The White Crown is more than an heirloom — it is a crucible of expectation. The Shen say that to wear the Crown is to bear the gaze of the White Lion himself. The perfection demanded by this relic drives its bearer to endless scrutiny, both of themselves and of those they command.

For the armies of the Lelien Empire, the White Crown is a beacon of certainty: when it gleams upon the battlefield, there is no room for doubt. For Shen blood, however, it is a reminder that command is a burden, never a gift.