Expanding the Stone Crown
After unification, the dwarves began to systematically expand their underground empires until they controlled almost the entire mountainous north. However, it was at this time that the seeds of the future crisis arose.
Hunger for the deep
Dwarves have always been a nation that sought riches in the land. After the unification, their efforts became even stronger. New mines were created far beyond the borders of the original kingdoms, and underground passages extended to depths that earlier generations could not even imagine. The stone crown has grown to nearly five times its original size over the millennia. The north of Ulvenor became their domain.
Borders of the world
Gradually, however, the dwarves hit their limits. The northernmost regions were so frigid that it was impossible to survive here outside of deep caves. In the west, the mountains were changing and did not provide the necessary raw materials. Goblins were appearing in the east. Still, the dwarves continued. They believed that every new corridor, every new mine would bring more wealth.
The first shadows
However, with the passage of time, the first problems began to appear. Some mines were exhausted, others abandoned due to danger. And it was these abandoned spaces that became the weakness of the entire empire. Where dwarves once ruled, other forces began to appear - goblins and something much darker.