#63 Cathedra Sepulchra

Age: 1,000 Generations

Hidden or Lost?: Hidden

History: For generations the ruling dynasty of Azzarello has practiced a powerful ritual of succession whereby the ascendant noble must commission a grand throne to imbue with power over the course of their reign. But before their newly enchanted symbol of power can be installed, and their reign begun, the incumbent noble must first descend into the Cathedra Sephulchra to inter the seat of their predecessor.

Located deep beneath the Palazzo Azzarello, the Sepulchra is a well-tomb that holds the 16 Thrones of the Ages, and to add another, one must be displaced. Held in discrete chambers surrounded by the treasures, arts, and artifacts of their reign, each of the 16 thrones holds the spirit and power of the ruler that once sat the chair. All of the specters of these past eras clash with each other endlessly in the depths of the Sepulchra and any noble wishing to rule Azzarello, must survive a trip below.

Each of the 16 thrones presents different dangers and trials. For instance, there is Traven's Ivory Throne, which is haunted by the spirits of liars and plunderers, all locked in an eternal cycle of betrayal and manipulation just like the court of the king’s day. The crude chair called The Lion’s Seat is guarded by a massive, shadowy predator that stalks the darkest corners of the Sephulchra, embodying its ruler’s bloodthirsty spirit. The Throne of the Golden Queen is found at the head of a long table, where an immortal fête is ever raging, a sea of wealthy hedonism, recreational cruelty, and simmering revolt. And while most of the thrones have been bested and replaced at some point, one throne, The Last Marquee’s Chair, has not been usurped since it was first entombed in the Sepulchra.

To solidify the dawn of their reign a new noble must pay fealty to the Ruler’s Pyre at the center of the Sepulchra, choosing which previous ruler’s throne they want to destroy. They then need to take that former noble’s chair and burn it in the sunken fire. If they succeed and the older thrones’ powers don't destroy them, the rising smoke from the Ruler’s Pyre will quell the dangers of the Sepulchra and signal that the new penultimate throne can be installed among the 16.

In addition to the thrones themselves, the Cathedra Sephulchra holds untold riches and an even greater store of magical power, which has tempted many foolish thieves to try and rob the tomb. But the ghosts of the past have let none escape.

1. The Beggar’s Stool

2. Princess Isabel’s Razor Throne

3. Stores of the Copper Lord

4. King Grease’s Foul Chair

5. The Lion’s Seat

6. A People’s Throne

7. Ishwood’s Sky Throne

8. The Seat of the Breath

9. Golden Queen’s Throne

10. Traven’s Ivory Throne

11. The Blue Scion’s Throne

12. Chair of Fingers

13. Throne of the Last Marquis

14. The War Throne

15. Alfred the Ill’s Throne

16. The Cathedra Immovable

17. The Ruler’s Pyre

18. Elevator of Azzarello