The River Dwarves of Liebhertz

The age of unity in Malleheim finally came to an end. What began as a few tremors turned into land-shattering chaos as the once great nation became divided by chasms that were swiftly filled from the oceans that surrounded Malleheim. With this calamity came the end of the dwarven city of Bannerheim as it plummeted to the depths of the chasm, crashing into the earth and laying waste to all who couldn't evacuate in time.

At least, that is what the populace has come to believe.

Bannerheim's dwarves did not simply share their resources, but also their knowledge. As dissidents and corruption grew more bold against the thriving kingdom, so too did its ability to recover, to defend, and to thrive in the face of disaster. When disaster became inevitable, its leaders met to discuss possible futures for the city and ways that it may overcome such an outcome. In the end, they realized that the division of the nation was inevitable, and prepared for the worst. Bannerheim plummeting into the chasms was not the death of these dwarves, but it was the beginning of their exile to save their way of life.

The castle landed gently into the depths below thanks to quick reactions and quicker spell-craft. This landing only bought the dwarves a few extra seconds, as water from the surrounding seas had already begun crashing into the chasms to replace the void that now divided Malleheim into smaller warring islands. Desperate and doomed, the dwarves called upon Oshana in whatever ritual they could, in hopes that the Goddess of the Seas would protect their home from the waters that threatened to consume them.

The Goddess, however, did more than just protect the dwarves from her seas. As the dwarves were caught in the crashing waves and flooding of their homes, their eyes darkened and adjusted to the limited light that reached their supposed tomb, their skin mimicked the same water that threatened to bring their end, and their hands and feet sprouted flexible webbing for traveling along the bottom of any ocean. As these changes took hold, the dwarves found themselves no longer harmed by the depths, but welcomed. Gills spread along the sides of their necks, enabling breaths. The dwarves of Bannerheim were saved, and thus the River Dwarves were born.

Now, in secret, communities have spread along the bottom of the newly formed Liebhertz River, as the River Dwarves continue to expand, collaborate, and thrive as the founders of Malleheim, now known as The Split, intended. Occasionally, their community underwater is spotted by sailors crossing along the Liebhertz, which has caused rumors and legends of mermaids and sirens to travel along the four winds, making travelers wary of sailing along the Liebhertz for too long.

Maybe someday, these dwarves will find a way to return to the surface, and spread good will among their land-dwelling brethren. For now, they are limited to the river that claimed their home, and thus shall continue to honor the beliefs that brought glory to Malleheim beneath the eyes of the surface and beneath the waves of the Liebhertz.