Order of the Azure Hand

The Order of the Azure Hand is a reclusive and enigmatic dwarven order, dedicated to the study and manipulation of Auric Resonance. Unlike the Gnomish Tinkers, who approach this energy with a scientific curiosity, the Order views it as a divine force, a celestial symphony that can be harnessed to achieve enlightenment and transcend the limitations of the physical world. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with some claiming they are descendants of the Sky-Seers who precipitated The Schism of Stone and Sky, while others believe they emerged from the shadows after The Great Sundering, seeking to restore balance to a world shattered by reckless experimentation. Their fortress, Obsidian Pinnacle, is carved into the highest peaks of the Iron-Grip Mountains, a testament to their isolationist tendencies. Within its walls, they practice a rigorous discipline of meditation, Resonance Weaving, and celestial observation, striving to attune themselves to the cosmic rhythms.

The Order's most closely guarded secret is the Celestial Alignment Ritual, a complex and dangerous undertaking that involves focusing the power of the Sunstone of Aethelgard through intricate Aetherium Conduits. They believe this ritual can unlock hidden pathways to other dimensions and grant them access to forbidden knowledge. Their actions have often brought them into conflict with the Dwarven Abbey, whose leaders view their practices as heretical and a threat to the established order. Archivist Theron is particularly suspicious of the Order, believing they are concealing their true intentions and manipulating events from behind the scenes. The Crimson Cartographers have mapped the network of Aetherium Conduits that crisscross the Iron-Grip Mountains, but the Order has fiercely guarded their secrets. Are they connected to the Forgotten Smith? Some whispers say they utilize the Vault of Whispers for their rituals, torturing those trapped in it for their own gain. The Shadow-Goblins seem to fear the Order, avoiding their territory whenever possible. Perhaps they will attempt to control the Chitinous Swarm.