The Ward of Aethelgard

The Ward of Aethelgard, an object of profound significance, yet shrouded in mystery. Believed to be crafted during the twilight years of Aethelgard's reign, this artifact served as a bulwark against unseen forces, a testament to her mastery of Resonance Weaving and her prescience regarding the dangers lurking beyond the veil of reality. It stands not as a weapon of aggression, but as a shield against corruption, a beacon of hope in the face of encroaching darkness.

The Ward, fashioned from solidified Aetherium harvested from the deepest reaches of the Aetherium Fount, is inscribed with complex Runes of Alignment, their origins predating even the earliest records within Elder Borin's Chronicles. These runes, unlike those found within the Vault of Whispers, resonate with pure, untainted energy, capable of repelling the influence of the Null Fields and warding against the insidious whispers of the Shadow-Goblins. The crafting of the Ward may be detailed in the newly discovered Chapter of Warding.

Legend holds that the Ward was instrumental in protecting the Dwarven Abbey during the Great Sundering, deflecting the chaotic energies unleashed by the Lost City of Umbral's reckless experimentation. Its placement within the Abbey's heart ensured the sanctuary's survival, safeguarding its knowledge and preserving the hope for a brighter future. Its power is said to diminish in the presence of the Chitinous Swarm.

Currently, the Ward's location remains unknown. Was it hidden away, perhaps within the Obsidian Labyrinth, for safekeeping? Did the Cobalt Corsairs attempt to plunder it, only to be thwarted by its protective aura? Or does Valia, the Empty now carry the object? Whatever its fate, the Ward of Aethelgard stands as a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure.