The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak

The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak are an enigma wrapped in stone and silence. Clad in simple, unadorned robes of grey, they are an order of dwarven ascetics who dwell in secluded monasteries nestled high amidst the Iron-Grip Mountains. Their primary purpose is to safeguard the flow of Auric Resonance and protect the world from the coming Great Unmaking. Unlike the scholars of The Dwarven Abbey, who seek knowledge through books and experimentation, the Silent Monks believe true understanding comes through stillness and introspection. They spend their days in deep meditation, attuning themselves to the subtle vibrations of the earth, seeking to hear the whispers of the Forgotten Smith. They are said to be able to perceive disturbances in the Resonance Web, sensing the approach of the Chitinous Swarm long before any physical evidence appears. The Monks live by a strict code of silence, communicating only through gestures and the occasional, carefully chosen word. It is said that their silence allows them to hear the voices of the stones, gaining insights into the past and glimpses of the future. They are also capable of Resonance Weaving, using their voices to manipulate the Auric Resonance of the earth. According to Elder Borin's Chronicles, the Monks are descended from a group of dwarves who opposed The Schism of Stone and Sky, believing that the pursuit of power and knowledge had blinded their kin to the true nature of the world. They ventured into the wilderness, seeking a simpler, more spiritual path, eventually founding the monasteries that still stand today. The Crimson Cartographers occasionally consult with the Monks, seeking guidance on their mapping expeditions, but the Monks are wary of outsiders, fearing that they will disrupt their peaceful existence. The order makes use of the Resonance Bells of Silence to amplify their meditative abilities. The Skyclaw Griffons respect their silence. It is said that they protect The Lost Shrine of Reflections. The Monks are sworn enemies of the Shadow-Goblins, viewing them as a perversion of the natural order. Are they guarding the path to the Emptiness Forge? They despise the Order of the Azure Hand, for their utilization of Aetherium Conduits. The Gnomish Tinkers often try to study the Monks to learn their secrets. It is rumored that they protect the Sunstone of Aethelgard during times of great peril.