The Fallen Empire
An Empire of Stone and Machine
The Dothloden built their civilisation around the belief that perfect craft could preserve order in the world. Geometry, stonework and metallurgy were expressions of Reason. Their cities became centres of industry, producing tools, weapons and enormous crystal-powered constructs.
That ambition eventually turned towards war. The Dothloden marched against the Sond elves, and the destruction of their capital, Osondrin, left the Screaming Wastes behind. The dwarven empire withdrew, leaving workshops, military works and entire cities to fall silent.
Inheritance and Exile
In Sumuntir, preserving the old ways means accepting rigid traditions and closely guarded knowledge. Some dwarves endure this willingly. Others leave because they cannot bear it.
Exile is permanent. Those who depart are removed from the hold’s genealogy, and even their descendants have no right to return. Across Tidefall, dwarves work as smiths, miners, merchants and labourers. Many were born among humans and know little more of Sumuntir than the people beside them.
Beyond the Mountain Gates
Dothloden craftsmanship earns admiration across Tidefall, but the knowledge behind it also breeds resentment. Some believe the dwarves could do more to help the island and choose to keep their greatest achievements locked away. Dwarves living outside Sumuntir can face that anger whether they know its secrets or not.
For those who do possess rare skills, showing them can attract dangerous attention. In Sarnath, dwarven killings have drawn the Black Keep’s investigators to workshops and homes. Storm worshippers are suspected, and some fear the victims were chosen for what they knew. Artisans who once took pride in their abilities now have reason to conceal them.