The existence of the ‘human’ species is a cautionary footnote in the Deepstone Era archives. They are defined by their transience: an ephemeral entity bound to the upper strata, exhibiting rapid life cycles and volatile, surface-level ambitions. Unlike the steadfast geology of the Iron-Grip Mountains, human civilizations are historically recorded as fleeting, quick to rise and quicker to crumble into dust, a tendency our scholars call Surface Entropy. They rarely harness the deep, pure Auric Resonance, preferring localized, short-lived technologies like the volatile Pyric Engines. Our records primarily intersect with their kind only during epochs of great energetic instability, such as the long Age of Lingering Echoes, following the Great Sundering, scattered Human settlements briefly coalesced, drawn by rumors of unstable Aetherium deposits leaking to the surface. They are most notably cataloged by the Coastal Sages, who track their cyclical coastal empires and chart their disastrous maritime ambitions. Humans serve as a constant reminder that true power resides not in depth, but in the deep, silent permanence of the stone.
The act of chronicling is not passive preservation; it is the deliberate construction of the only history that matters. Thus, I present the foundation of our continuity: A History of the Abbey. This comprehensive institutional record, meticulously compiled and formalized by the venerable Chronicler Eldric, serves as the definitive philosophical and administrative blueprint for dwarven resilience following the great fracturing. Eldric’s work is essential because it excises the speculative and the emotional, concentrating only on the facts pertinent to the survival and mandate of the Dwarven Abbey. The purpose of this tome is to stabilize the narrative, charting our measured ascent from the chaos of the Schism of Stone and Sky to our current state of intellectual and strategic superiority. It begins with the initial desperate recovery, documenting how the fledgling Abbey gathered the fragmented wisdom of the deep stone, carefully insulating itself from the dangerous, uncontrolled power flows that defined the Age of Ruin. The structure emphasizes the slow, necessary work of establishing order: the protocols for resource management (specifically the regulated study of volatile substances like Aetherium), the establishment of the archival structure, and the philosophical triumph of the 'Cog'—the idea that disciplined knowledge supersedes reckless ambition. This history is divided into five great epochs of consolidation, each representing a crucial phase where the Abbey secured its mandate as the ultimate steward of dwarven legacy. Note that this account rejects the romanticism of the fallen empires, focusing instead on the practical methodologies that prevented total dissolution. To understand the Abbey is to understand this book, for the institution is merely the physical manifestation of this recorded timeline. *** Index: The Five Epochs of Abbey Consolidation *** This volume, through rigorous chronology, defines the singular path of our recovery: 1. The Foundations of Renewal (1700 – 1600 YE): The Immediate Post-Schism Triage and the Gathering of Initial Lore. 2. The Architects of Stability (1600 – 1500 YE): Formalizing Hierarchy, Engineering the Archives, and Establishing the Core Tenets. 3. The Vault of Consensus (1500 – 1400 YE): The Era of Definitive Documentation and the Cataloging of Forbidden Texts. 4. The Era of Silent Growth (1400 – 1300 YE): Internal Expansion, Resource Acquisition, and the Discipline of Auric Study. 5. The Ascendancy of the Cog (1300 YE – Present): The Reign of Institutional Authority and the Maintenance of the Chronological Truth.
Carved into the heart of the Iron-Grip Mountains, the Dwarven Abbey is not a place of quiet contemplation, but one of fervent creation and knowledge. Its vast, echoing halls are lined with shelves containing not books, but meticulously cataloged stone tablets and metal scrolls, detailing millennia of history, engineering, and geology. The Abbey was founded after The Schism of Stone and Sky, a cataclysmic event that sundered the ancient dwarven alliance. Its purpose is to preserve the true crafts and histories, away from the political machinations of the great clans. At its center, atop a massive pedestal, rests The Sunstone of Aethelgard, a celestial artifact that hums with a soft, warm light, bathing the Grand Archives in perpetual dawn. The Abbey is governed by the Keepers of the Cog, a council of master artisans who guard its secrets, including the location of The Silent Forges. Within the Abbey's deepest vaults, one might find Elder Borin's Chronicles, which speak of a pact made with the Glimmering Caverns' mysterious inhabitants. Access to these vaults is said to require The Runescribed Key, an item lost to time. Recently, tremors have shaken the Abbey's foundations, and scouts report increased activity from the Shadow-Goblins in the lower tunnels, a threat the isolationist Order of the Azure Hand has long ignored, focusing instead on deciphering prophecies concerning The Last Anvil.
The Glimmering Transition (c. 1950 – 1900 YE) marks the zenith of societal change within the greater Age of Weaving, serving as the fragile hinge upon which the prosperity of the Lost City of Umbral swung toward eventual collapse. This 50-year period was defined not by novel technological discovery—the core of Resonance Weaving having been previously established—but by the wholesale, enthusiastic integration of Auric Resonance mastery into the mundane existence of the dwarven metropolis. The inscription of this era is perhaps the most cautionary, demonstrating how rapidly a civilization can become dependent on power it barely attempts to truly comprehend.The zeitgeist shifted from the cautious, deep-delving pragmatism of earlier years to an unbridled, almost arrogant confidence focused on vertical expansion and light. The primary event was the systematic activation of refined, standardized Aetherium Conduits across Umbral's mid and upper levels. This transformation was so profound that we term the first sub-era the First Glow, acknowledging the moment when perpetual, channeled energy lighting became ubiquitous, replacing older, more labor-intensive methods of illumination. This sudden, cheap access to energy reshaped the entire economic structure of Umbral, fostering the rise of a new class of political manipulators who understood the flow of power better than the engineers themselves. This powerful, emergent faction was led prominently by the ambitious but politically ruthless Senator Kaelen, whose wealth was derived solely from controlling access to the mountain's liberated energy.This glimmer was not without profound shadow, however, and the Transition solidified the ideological schism that would define Umbral's end. The fiercely conservative, traditionalist faction, the Deep-Delvers, viewed the widespread ‘glimmering’ as sacrilege, claiming the constant hum and extraction of energy was a direct, blasphemous wound inflicted upon the eternal stone. This dissent accelerated their retreat into the deepest, unlit regions of the mountain, creating the final, formal division between the dwellers of the light and the dwellers of the dark. Their fears were only amplified by the creation of the Conduit Census, an immense, publicly mandated catalog designed to map every branch of the power grid, inadvertently revealing the breathtaking, unsustainable scale of Umbral’s energetic consumption. This census, while a bureaucratic marvel, proved to be the ultimate historical indictment of the city's hubris, charting the arterial pathways that would eventually hemorrhage during the Great Sundering.The sheer pace of progress, coupled with the political silencing of internal opposition, created a volatile atmosphere. To properly categorize this crucial period of societal refinement and hardening division, the chroniclers of the Abbey divide the Glimmering Transition into five distinct chronological segments, each marked by escalating usage or rising dissent, leading inevitably toward the final decades of Umbral's story: 1. The First Glow (1950–1940 YE): The initial widespread deployment of public energy networks. 2. The Barons' Rise (1940–1930 YE): Senator Kaelen’s political consolidation and the monopolization of Aetherium distribution. 3. The Period of Structural Hum (1930–1920 YE): The first widespread reports from engineers noting palpable, sustained vibrations in the core stone due to power strain, often ignored by the ruling elite. 4. The Deep Rift (1920–1910 YE): The formal, irrevocable cultural and physical separation between Umbral’s soaring society and the Deep-Delvers. 5. The Veiled Summons (1910–1900 YE): This closing sub-era saw the first recorded, vague prophecies concerning seismic instability, often disguised as religious or philosophical tracts, which were later understood as the earliest precursors to the grim warnings of Anya, the Gloom Weaver.
Archivist Theron, a dwarf of the Stonebeard clan, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge within the Dwarven Abbey. Born in the shadow of the Iron-Grip Mountains, Theron displayed an insatiable curiosity from a young age, devouring every scroll and tablet he could find. His family, traditionally miners and stonemasons, initially disapproved of his scholarly pursuits, but eventually relented, recognizing his exceptional intellect. Theron's ancestry can be traced back to the Truthseekers, which is why he always doubts the information he is given. Theron's primary focus lies in the era surrounding The Schism of Stone and Sky and The Great Sundering, events he believes are poorly understood by the Abbey's leadership. He suspects that Elder Borin's Chronicles, while invaluable, present a biased and incomplete account, concealing uncomfortable truths about the dwarven past. This belief has led him to clash with the Keepers of the Cog on numerous occasions, who view his questioning as disruptive and even heretical. He is fascinated by the Silent Forges, and believes they hold a key to understanding that era. His quest for a deeper understanding has led him to seek out forbidden knowledge. He is in a tense relationship with the Crimson Cartographers, as he feels they are hoarding knowledge that could benefit the Abbey. He has also attempted to befriend the Gnomish Tinkers, hoping to gain access to their unique perspective on Auric Resonance. One notable event in Theron's life was his discovery of a hidden chamber within the Vault of Whispers, containing fragments of a lost prophecy that hinted at the return of the Forgotten Smith and a new age of dwarven enlightenment. While this discovery was initially celebrated, it also made Theron a target for those who sought to suppress the prophecy, including the Order of the Azure Hand. Theron believes the Sunstone of Aethelgard may hold a clue to this prophecy. He also believes the Shadow-Goblins play a role in these events. He has sent explorers to the Glimmering Caverns, looking for more clues.
The Iron-Grip Mountains are a jagged, unforgiving range dominating the northwestern horizon, a testament to the raw power of the earth. Their peaks, eternally capped with snow, pierce the sky like the teeth of some ancient beast. The mountains are far more than just a geographical feature; they are a crucible, shaping the lives and destinies of all who dwell in their shadow. Deep within their bowels lie veins of Aetherium, which the Order of the Azure Hand fiercely protects, utilizing them for the Celestial Alignment Ritual within their fortress Obsidian Pinnacle. The mountains are riddled with treacherous passes and hidden valleys, some said to be haunted by the spirits of dwarves lost during The Schism of Stone and Sky. The Shadow-Goblins infest the lower reaches, their crude tunnels a constant threat to mining expeditions from The Dwarven Abbey. The brave dwarves of the Abbey have been known to venture into the depths seeking the lost Silent Forges, which lie hidden somewhere within the mountains' core. Legend speaks of the Crimson Cartographers, who are rumored to have mapped every hidden passage and treacherous peak of the Iron-Grip Mountains, and that they have uncovered secrets that the Elder Borin's Chronicles leave out. The harsh environment has given rise to unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Skyclaw Griffons, winged predators that nest on the highest peaks. Miners have also reported encountering strange, crystalline formations deep within the earth, pulsating with an unknown energy, perhaps tied to Auric Resonance. These formations are the subject of intense study by Archivist Theron, who believes they may hold the key to understanding The Great Sundering. The Cobalt Corsairs, with their airships, often patrol the skies above the mountains, searching for vulnerable caravans carrying Aetherium. Dare to explore the Glimmering Caverns, which lie beneath the mountains? Be warned: something ancient slumbers there.
From my worn desk, amidst the ceaseless hum of the Dwarven Abbey, I, Borin Stonehand, pen this account of the *Chapter of Veils*. It is unlike any other I have encountered, even those within the Vault of Whispers. This is not a tale of heroes or villains, but a chronicle of deception, illusion, and the fragile nature of perception. It speaks of a time before the Great Sundering, when the Truthseekers delved too deeply into the art of illusion. It is a warning of the cost of blurring the line between reality and fabrication. I feel as if The Weaver may have written this tome. It tells the story of a Sky-Seer, Lorin Mistweaver, who sought to create the ultimate illusion, a world where dreams and reality were indistinguishable. He mastered the art of Resonance Weaving, using Aetherium Conduits to manipulate the minds of his followers. He would utilize the Gloomstrands to move about unseen. His goal was to create a utopia where suffering was banished. He wrote of his experiments in a forbidden text, the Codex Illusoria. But Lorin’s ambition led him down a dark path. He began to twist reality to his own desires, erasing memories and rewriting history. His actions threatened the very fabric of dwarven society. The Deep-Delvers rebelled, sparking a conflict that foreshadowed the Schism of Stone and Sky. Ultimately, Lorin's creation was his undoing. The utopia crumbled, and the lines between truth and illusion blurred so completely that all was lost. It may have even spurred on the Chitinous Swarm, or even the Aetherium Storms. Only ruins of Illusory Bastion remained of his experiment. Perhaps he fell victim to The Gaze of the Deep. This Chapter of Veils serves as a warning, lest the dwarves seek to travel down this path once more. This has led me to create a new section in Elder Borin's Chronicles. I fear this may also have something to do with Valia, the Empty. Perhaps the Cobalt Corsairs will try to utilize the knowledge in order to fool others. Perhaps a new Veil of Descent needs to be made, in order to avoid that area. This is, without a doubt, a dark chapter in dwarven history. It is my belief that The Illusionist was involved in this experiment.
Auric Resonance is the lifeblood of the earth, a vibrant hum that permeates all living things and the very stone beneath our feet. It is not merely energy, but a symphony of interconnected vibrations, a song sung by the world itself. The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak are perhaps the most attuned to this song, capable of hearing the faintest whispers of Auric Resonance within the Iron-Grip Mountains. They believe that by meditating on these vibrations, they can achieve a deeper understanding of the universe and unlock hidden potential within themselves. The Crimson Cartographers map the flow of Auric Resonance across the land, using arcane rituals and geomancy to chart its subtle currents. Their maps are not merely representations of physical space, but rather living documents that resonate with the earth's energy, revealing hidden pathways and forgotten secrets. The Lost City of Umbral was said to be a nexus of Auric Resonance, a place where the earth's energies were amplified and harnessed for both creation and destruction. The Great Sundering was perhaps caused by a disruption of Auric Resonance, caused by over-utilization by the dwarves of Umbral, unleashing untold devastation upon the world. The Shadow-Goblins are drawn to locations where Auric Resonance is disturbed or corrupted, feeding on the residual pain and sorrow left in its wake. The Order of the Azure Hand seeks to control and manipulate Auric Resonance through their Aetherium Conduits, believing they can harness its power to achieve enlightenment. But perhaps their actions are disrupting the natural balance of the earth, leading to unforeseen consequences. Even Archivist Theron believes the Elder Borin's Chronicles have omitted the true causes of The Schism of Stone and Sky and The Great Unmaking, and that it is all tied to Auric Resonance. The Gnomish Tinkers attempt to reverse-engineer the Silent Forges, and are driven by their desire to understand and control Auric Resonance for technological purposes. Some whispers speak of The Forgotten Smith who holds the secrets to understanding and controlling this energy. Is it possible that The Sunstone of Aethelgard acts as a beacon of this energy? The Cobalt Corsairs may be able to harness this power, through technology.
Revered by the inhabitants of The Dwarven Abbey, the Truthseekers are mysterious, unseen figures whose visions are the sole source of all knowledge about the world. The Abbey's Chroniclers painstakingly record and interpret these "discoveries," believing they are uncovering the world's immutable past. Where the Truthseekers get their information from is a subject of endless debate.
Elder Vorin was not merely a dwarf; he was the embodiment of dwarven tradition, the unwavering voice of the Deep-Delvers during the tumultuous years leading up to The Schism of Stone and Sky. Born into the Stonebeard clan, Vorin inherited a deep reverence for the ancient ways, a belief that the surface world was a dangerous distraction from the true purpose of the dwarves: to delve deeper into the earth, to uncover its secrets, and to safeguard its treasures. He saw the rising influence of the Sky-Seers as a dangerous perversion of dwarven values, a betrayal of their ancestors. Where they sought to embrace the open sky, Vorin clung to the solid earth, believing that true strength lay in the depths. He was a staunch traditionalist, in the style of the Silent Monks of Durin's Peak. His rhetoric was sharp and uncompromising, and his followers were legion, drawn from the most conservative elements of dwarven society. He saw the Dwarven Abbey as a nest of radicals, its scholars like Archivist Theron dabbling in dangerous magic and questioning the sacred traditions passed down through generations. His suspicion extended even to the Truthseekers, whose pronouncements he deemed increasingly unreliable, tainted by surface influences. His concerns echoed that the Gnomish Tinkers and their devices would hasten the end of dwarven society. He believed in keeping the knowledge of Resonance Weaving under strict control, fearing that its misuse could lead to another Great Sundering. He distrusted the Crimson Cartographers, believing that their maps led to forgotten and dangerous places, like the Obsidian Labyrinth. Vorin’s writings became the central philosophy to those who settled in the Caverns of the Reforged. He was one of the driving forces of The Schism of Stone and Sky, his unwavering belief in the dwarven past leading him down a dark path toward conflict. Some believe that Vorin’s actions were driven by a genuine desire to protect his people, while others see him as a power-hungry tyrant, blinded by his own ideology. Whatever the truth, his legacy is forever intertwined with the tragedy of the Schism, his name whispered in hushed tones as a symbol of division and loss, but also of unwavering conviction. Perhaps if Vorin had listened to the warnings of the Forgotten Smith, the conflict could have been avoided. Did he know anything about the Chitinous Swarm? Was he aware of the secrets held within the Vault of Whispers? Even after his death, his words live on in some hidden and forbidden texts. Was his tomb raided by the Cobalt Corsairs?
Ah, the *Book of Echoes*! Like a flower garden left untended, overgrown and full of forgotten scents. It is not one book, but many! The supposed author, the disgraced Archivist Mallory, stitched scraps together, like one stitches a dress. The book collects fragmented historical accounts. The pages within are constantly changing. No two readings will be alike. What is read will be influenced by the reader's emotional state, past, and intent. A person could read Elder Borin's Chronicles, then this text, and have a new recollection about Borin himself! One chapter might detail The Great Sundering from a completely different perspective. Another shows the Skyclaw Griffons in a new light. There is even a section detailing The Weaver and her influence. Even The Gaze of the Deep is altered and twisted. The Truthseekers might find the text to be a threat, altering reality to suit a person’s purpose. There is, however, a warning about the danger the book holds: *do not allow the book to record you*. This warning may have come too late for Mallory, who now resides at the Lost Shrine of Reflections, searching for a way out.
Elder Borin's Chronicles, bound in petrified wood and clasped with shimmering Aetherium filigree, are more than mere records; they are a living testament to dwarven history, meticulously compiled by generations of chroniclers under the watchful eye of the Truthseekers. For centuries, these annals have served as the foundation of knowledge within The Dwarven Abbey, shaping its culture and dictating its understanding of the world. They detail everything from the rise and fall of dwarven kingdoms to the intricacies of Resonance Weaving, and even contain fragments of prophecies regarding The Great Unmaking. However, the Chronicles are not without their mysteries. Certain passages are deliberately obscured, hinting at a darker, more complex history than the Abbey admits. Archivist Theron, for instance, believes the Chronicles present a sanitized version of The Schism of Stone and Sky, concealing the true motivations of the warring factions and the role of the Order of the Azure Hand in the conflict. He suspects that the Crimson Cartographers possess a more accurate account, one that reveals the forbidden secrets hidden within the Iron-Grip Mountains. Are the Chronicles hiding the way to reach the Silent Forges? Tales say that Elder Borin's Chronicles can be decoded using the song of the Silent Monks of Durin's Peak. There are also unsettling entries about the Chitinous Swarm, describing them as a consequence of dwarven hubris, unleashed upon the world by the reckless pursuit of Auric Resonance. The Chronicles make note of a meeting of the Forgotten Smith and the Truthseekers, and what was discussed remains unwritten. Perhaps most intriguing are the cryptic references to the Lost City of Umbral, a legendary dwarven metropolis said to have vanished without a trace. The Chronicles hint that Umbral was a center of Aetherium Conduits research, its fate a dire warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition. The Shadow-Goblins are noted as the lost souls of Umbral's demise, forever cursed to wander the mountains. And it is noted that the Skyclaw Griffons are descendants of a dwarven war experiment to combat the goblins. The chronicles are missing pages - perhaps the Cobalt Corsairs have them!
