Valia, the Empty

Valia, once a promising scholar within the Dwarven Abbey, now exists as a haunting embodiment of loss and the dangers of unchecked curiosity. Her tale begins with a fascination for the Null Fields, a realm of absolute nothingness that borders the known world. Driven by a desire to understand the true nature of existence, Valia delved deep into forbidden texts within the Vault of Whispers, seeking answers to questions best left unasked. Her mentor, Archivist Theron, while initially supportive, grew increasingly concerned as Valia's obsession intensified. She began muttering about the Great Unmaking and the insignificance of dwarven achievements in the face of cosmic entropy.

One fateful night, Valia discovered a hidden passage leading to a forgotten chamber. Within, she found the Runes of Null, ancient symbols said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the void. As she deciphered the runes, a profound transformation occurred. Her eyes lost their light, her voice became a hollow echo, and her body seemed to grow increasingly translucent. She became Valia, the Empty, a living void, a walking embodiment of nothingness. Now, she wanders the Iron-Grip Mountains, leaving a trail of decay in her wake. Plants wither and die, stone crumbles to dust, and even the most stalwart dwarves feel a chilling sense of despair in her presence. Some whisper that she is a Herald of Emptiness, a harbinger of the end times. The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak attempt to contain her influence, while the Order of the Azure Hand seeks to exploit her power, believing they can control the void. The Forgotten Smith may have known of her existence, and tried to create an artifact to contain her, but failed. She seems to have power over the Chitinous Swarm. Even the Skyclaw Griffons give her a wide berth. She is a warning about the Emptiness Forge. Is it possible to save her, using the Sunstone of Aethelgard?