The Great Sundering

The Great Sundering is not merely a single event, but a cascading series of catastrophes that reshaped the very fabric of the world, leaving scars that echo even in the present day. It began with the reckless experimentation of the Lost City of Umbral's mages, who sought to amplify Auric Resonance to unprecedented levels, believing they could unlock the secrets of creation itself. Their hubris led them to tamper with the Aetherium Conduits, twisting them into instruments of unimaginable power. But their control was fleeting, and the resulting backlash tore a rift in reality, unleashing waves of destructive energy that swept across the land. The Iron-Grip Mountains buckled and groaned as the earth convulsed, and entire cities were swallowed by the earth, or blasted into dust. The Silent Forges, once humming with vibrant energy, fell silent, their intricate mechanisms shattered beyond repair. The cataclysm triggered the emergence of the Shadow-Goblins, born from the residual pain and sorrow of the fallen.

The dwarves, once united under a single banner, fractured into warring factions, each blaming the other for the disaster. The Schism of Stone and Sky was merely a symptom of the deeper wounds inflicted by the Sundering, as the sky-seers and deep-delvers clashed over the proper path forward. Even The Dwarven Abbey, founded in the aftermath, struggles to fully comprehend the magnitude of the event. The Crimson Cartographers chart the disrupted ley lines, seeking to understand the lingering effects. Elder Borin's Chronicles hint at the involvement of the Forgotten Smith, whose creations may have inadvertently fueled the catastrophe. The Sunstone of Aethelgard flickered erratically during the event, its light unable to penetrate the all-consuming darkness. The Gnomish Tinkers salvage what they can from the ruins, seeking to understand the technology of Umbral, heedless of the dangers involved. Some say that the Chitinous Swarm are a direct result of this event, created by the unbridled energy released. Was the Vault of Whispers opened during this time, releasing forbidden knowledge? It is said that the Skyclaw Griffons can sense the residual energy from this event. Even the Silent Monks of Durin's Peak could not foresee the destruction. Perhaps the Cobalt Corsairs have tech to prevent future events. The echoes of the Great Sundering can be felt even today, a constant reminder of the price of unchecked ambition.