Forming the Liebhertz

In the beginning, Malleheim was a prosperous nation, its many communities all working together in harmony. This collaboration came from the firm belief by its dwarven founders: Though all in Malleheim may be different, all share the same breath in their lungs, the same water they drink, and the same soil beneath their feet. Prosperity was quite common in this time in Malleheim's history, and in many ways it became more powerful in the world of Vlandaren than even Brinland. To some, this was a golden example of what life should be. To others, this focus on sharing and collaboration weakened the country against potential invaders and monsters.

This age did not last.

At the center of Malleheim stood Castle Bannerheim, which stood as a symbol of this belief among the general populace and its nobility. Though there had been attempts by dissidents to assault and even destroy the castle, none succeeded through the shared might brought upon by Bannerheim's military and defenses.

As these assaults took place, more and more did the landscape of Malleheim shift and shutter, as if being pulled apart by forces unseen. Legends say that this was caused by powerful magic discovered by followers of Oshana, Goddess of the Sea. Others claim that this change in geography was simply a natural phenomenon. Nevertheless, what happened next could not be anticipated by any of Malleheim's residents. Cracks formed in the earth, rippling across the land at the speed of lightning and dismantling settlements that came to be along their paths. Then, all at once, the earth split, and the once great nation of Malleheim was forcibly divided into 3 smaller islands. Many lives were lost, including those belonging to great Castle Bannerheim as it plunged into the newly-formed chasms that rapidly filled with water from both The Crossing and The Grand Sea.

The age of union came to an end. Now physically divided with their leaders at the bottom of the river, Malleheim was no more. New powers rose from this sudden change, some suspiciously faster than others, and new beliefs spread with them. Thus, the divided islands were given their own names and the collection of islands were renamed to The Split.

Many dwarves in this new age did not wish to move on, however. Some still believed in the unity and prosperity that founded Malleheim, and in their defiance of the new age, passed on their beliefs into the naming of this new river. It was named The Liebhertz, named after the love in all hearts that were lost on that fateful day, and the hope that one day The Split may return to the roots that allowed it to grow in the days of old.