The Emptiness Forge

The Emptiness Forge is said to be an ancient device, hidden deep within the Null Fields, capable of erasing matter from existence. It is not a forge in the traditional sense, but rather a complex arrangement of Aetherium Conduits and resonating crystals, designed to disrupt the fundamental forces that bind atoms together. Some whisper that it was created by the Forgotten Smith, not as a weapon, but as a tool for dismantling failed creations, a way to recycle raw materials back into their constituent elements. Others claim that it was built by a civilization predating the dwarves, a race that mastered the art of manipulating reality itself. They left a warning, detailed in the Runes of Null, so that the forge would never be activated. The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak believe the forge is a dangerous perversion of Auric Resonance, a violation of the natural order that could lead to The Great Unmaking. They guard the path, which only the Skyclaw Griffons know. They believe that only the Sunstone of Aethelgard can be used to control the device, but even then, the risk is immense. The Crimson Cartographers have detected faint energy signatures emanating from the Null Fields, leading them to believe that the Emptiness Forge is still active, albeit in a dormant state. Archivist Theron is skeptical of these claims, but he has dispatched expeditions to investigate, hoping to uncover the truth behind the legends. He has cataloged all of his research in a new Chapter of Erasure. The Shadow-Goblins seem drawn to the forge, perhaps sensing its power to obliterate existence. The Gnomish Tinkers would be fascinated by the technology behind the Emptiness Forge, but their reckless tinkering could inadvertently trigger its activation, with disastrous consequences. The Order of the Azure Hand believe it is the ultimate way to eliminate the Chitinous Swarm. The entrance is guarded by Stone Golems of Karak-Ungol, a threat even to the Cobalt Corsairs. The forge may be found in the Obsidian Labyrinth. It is said that the Vault of Whispers shows the schematics, and Elder Borin's Chronicles has left a coded message detailing the location of its activation chamber.