The Ruin Delvers

The Ruin Delvers are an eclectic and daring group of individuals united by a shared goal: to uncover the ancient ruins scattered throughout the rugged, treacherous regions of the Shattered Peaks and beyond. This secretive and diverse faction is made up of treasure hunters, scholars, archaeologists, and outcasts, all driven by the allure of discovering lost civilizations, ancient artifacts, and forbidden knowledge hidden beneath the layers of time and the dangers of the Everstorm.

The members of the Ruin Delvers range from seasoned adventurers who seek riches and glory to intellectuals and academics who crave knowledge and the thrill of uncovering forgotten histories. Despite their varied backgrounds and motivations, they are bound together by a common desire to explore the ruins and uncover the lost secrets of ancient peoples who once thrived in the region before being consumed by time and catastrophe.

The Ruin Delvers are a group driven by curiosity, adventure, and the pursuit of lost knowledge. Through their explorations of the Shattered Peaks and their encounters with the ever-changing nature of the Everstorm, they are uncovering the secrets of a long-forgotten civilization, and in the process, shaping the future of the Wildlands. Though their methods are sometimes seen as reckless or self-serving, the Delvers are united in their belief that the ancient ruins hold the answers to many of the land’s mysteries—answers that could unlock untold power or knowledge for those daring enough to seek them.

Structure

Unlike other more hierarchical organizations, the Ruin Delvers operate with a loose structure, with no singular authority or leader. Instead, the organization functions more like a collective, where individuals or small teams are largely autonomous in their expeditions, but share a common goal of uncovering the ruins and acquiring valuable artifacts. However, several key figures and groups exist within the organization, each contributing their expertise to various aspects of the delving efforts.

1. The Founders:
   The Ruin Delvers were originally formed by a group of scholars and treasure hunters who first discovered traces of the ancient civilization in the Shattered Peaks. Though they no longer actively guide the group, their legacy remains a powerful influence on the organization's culture and goals. Their names are revered and often invoked by new Delvers when embarking on dangerous expeditions.
2. Ruinmasters:
   The closest thing to formal leadership within the Ruin Delvers are the Ruinmasters—veteran adventurers and scholars who have proven their worth through numerous successful explorations of dangerous ruins. They are respected for their experience and knowledge of the ancient world and the perils of the Everstorm. The Ruinmasters are responsible for organizing larger expeditions, sharing discoveries, and teaching the next generation of Delvers.
3. The Guild of Scholars:
   A faction within the Ruin Delvers focused on the academic and historical aspects of the delving efforts, the Guild of Scholars is dedicated to researching the artifacts found in the ruins and piecing together the mysteries of the lost civilization. These scholars are often librarians, archeologists, and magical researchers who decipher ancient texts and ruins to uncover long-forgotten knowledge.

Culture

The central purpose of the Ruin Delvers is to explore and recover artifacts from the ruins of an ancient civilization rumored to have existed in the Shattered Peaks long before the current inhabitants of the land. The rumors speak of an advanced culture that mastered the elements, leaving behind ancient technology, mystical artifacts, and arcane knowledge that could reshape the future or hold immense power.

For some members of the Ruin Delvers, the allure is the treasure that may be found in these ruins—gold, relics, and precious stones. For others, it is the intellectual challenge of deciphering the forgotten histories and unraveling the mysteries of the ancient world. Yet for some, the deeper, more dangerous motives lie in their desire to understand the Everstorm, its connection to the lost civilization, and the mystical powers that it may hold.

The Everstorm itself plays a critical role in the Ruin Delvers’ endeavors. It is believed that the storm is tied to the ancient civilization's downfall, and many Delvers seek to understand how the storm’s unpredictable nature may be harnessed or interpreted to uncover hidden truths.

Public Agenda

The Ruin Delvers are experts in navigating the harsh, unpredictable terrain of the Shattered Peaks and beyond. Their methods are both scientific and adventurous, combining research with daring exploration. Below are some of their primary tactics:

1. Ruins Mapping & Discovery:
   The Delvers use a combination of ancient maps, arcane divination, and earth-shaping magic to locate hidden ruins deep within the mountains. Their expeditions are often led by guides who are well-versed in mountain climbing, survival tactics, and weather prediction, which is crucial for navigating the dangerous regions where the Everstorm roams.
2. Magical Preservation:
   Since the Everstorm is a chaotic force of nature that ravages the land, many of the ancient ruins are shrouded in arcane energy or have been severely damaged by the storm. Ruin Delvers often carry magical wards and protective charms to shield themselves from the storm's effects, as well as magical devices to stabilize the ruins and prevent further decay. They are also known to employ rituals that can temporarily calm the storm’s fury or create safe zones in dangerous areas.
3. Excavation & Exploration:
   Once a ruin is located, the Ruin Delvers begin the careful process of excavation and study. They employ a mix of magical and mundane methods, from arcane tools that can uncover hidden chambers to manual labor in digging out entrances and rooms. Scholars may focus on translating the ancient language or runes found within the ruins, while the treasure hunters search for artifacts, such as magical relics, ancient weapons, and golden treasures.

While the Ruin Delvers tend to work independently, they have established connections with various factions that share an interest in ancient relics and knowledge.

1. Allies:
   The Delvers occasionally work with factions such as the Stormcallers (who are also interested in the ancient knowledge of the ruins), the Iron Fangs (when mercenaries are needed for protection), and even certain arcane guilds. Some factions, particularly elven scholars, are interested in the history of the ruins, making them potential allies in research and exploration.
2. Enemies:
   Many factions view the Ruin Delvers with suspicion, especially when it comes to the Everstorm and the mysterious civilization. The Keepers of the Rift see the Delvers' exploration of ancient knowledge as dangerous, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the storm and the ancient runes. Rival treasure hunters, as well as local settlements that fear the Delvers’ greed, may also oppose them.

Assets

The Ruin Delvers do not have a permanent base of operations, instead operating from temporary camps and mobile sanctuaries in the Shattered Peaks. Their camp locations are often in close proximity to ruins, and they set up research outposts near key sites. The Ironclad Library is one such mobile research hub, where scholars store and study the findings from expeditions before venturing out again.

In times of significant discovery, the Delvers may temporarily establish a fortified enclave where they can work without interference from external threats. These enclaves are typically constructed with materials recovered from previous ruins and are often used to house and protect the most dangerous or valuable finds.

Type

Expedition, Scientific

Subsidiary Organizations

• Guild of Scholars

Location

The Shattered Peaks