The Veil of Descent
The Veil of Descent… a term whispered by Lost Pilgrims and Truthseekers in equal measure, spoken of with a mix of dread and longing. It is not a physical barrier, like the Iron-Grip Mountains, but rather a journey inward, a stripping away of the self, a descent into the deepest, most hidden corners of one's own psyche. It is a dangerous pilgrimage, with few ever returning the same, as described in Chapter of Ascendancy.
Geography is irrelevant here; the Veil exists within the mind, a labyrinth of memories, fears, and desires. The journey is one of confronting one's own darkness, of facing the truths that lie buried beneath layers of self-deception. Some say it is where the Echo’s power comes from. It may be connected to The Mirror World. It is a process where, like the Forgotten Smith, you realize the truth of who you are.
The inhabitants, if they can be called that, are fragments of the self: long-forgotten memories, suppressed emotions, and hidden desires given form. Some appear as benevolent guides, offering wisdom and support, while others manifest as monstrous figments of fear and regret, aspects of The Gaze of the Deep. The path may lead through the Abyss of Umbra, requiring one to face the Umbral Behemoth.
Historically, the Veil has always been a part of the dwarven experience, a rite of passage for those seeking enlightenment or redemption. The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak claim to have mastered the art of traversing the Veil, returning with newfound clarity and inner peace. The Order of the Azure Hand, however, view the Veil with suspicion, fearing that it could lead to madness and undermine their control, yet they attempt to weaponize aspects of it in their Celestial Alignment Ritual. The journey may begin at the Lost Shrine of Reflections. The true price is madness, like Eamon, The Twisted.
Those who dare to embark upon this journey must be prepared to face their own demons, for the Veil of Descent offers no guarantees, and will likely lead to a meeting with The Weaver. Some emerge stronger and wiser, while others are consumed by their own darkness, becoming lost forever in the labyrinth of the self. If the traveler is not careful, they will be consumed by the Chitinous Swarm. Even the Cobalt Corsairs cannot help them, as these are battles that can only be fought alone.