The Giant's Dance

A bit over two centuries ago, there was an unprecedented amount of seismic activity known as "The Giant’s Dance" that rocked the entire island for 3 days. This led to the cliff forming a few hours out of town. It also changed the topography of the ocean surrounding the island, leading to new routes being formed, creating easier ways to get around. The destruction is now a forgotten memory to older races and the country as a whole has recovered quite well after 100s of years (and profit from the now exposed veins of ores and precious gems) and now hosts a yearly festival in celebration 'The Dancing Festival'.

Origins of The Giant’s Dance is still up for debate within the scholarly circles, but the impact it had on Harrendor is undoubted. The kingdom still faces increasing numbers of magical anomalies and sightings of dangerous mythical monsters to this day. Many theorise these are somehow connected to The Giant’s Dance.

### Local Impact

In addition to the changed topography, the Giant's Dance caused a number of ecological changes that impacted Ferrenport

* Due to the Bramblewood being lifted out of reach, for the first few years as the pathway was under construction the supply of large game, herbs and lumber was dramatically reduced.
* Likewise, the number of natural predators who made the Bramblewood their home could no longer hunt on what is now the lowlands. This lead to a population explosion of smaller game such as rabbits and hares.
* On discovering some cave systems containing more than iron ore, the Drimore Mines was rapidly expanded (including vertically up the cliff side).
* Ferrenport become the biggest established trade route due to the cliff cutting off the rest of the land in that part of the island

### The Dancing Festival

Held over 3 days, the Dancing Festival is an annual celebration of The Giant's Dance. It originally started as a time of remembrance over those lost as well as a way to bring the community together over the tragedy. Within the last few decades, it has become a festival of prosperity and new beginnings. It hosts a range of traditions and events throughout both the city of Ferrenport and the local area, focusing on community.

A range of traditions and activities have been added over time. Most of them revolve around the symbolise of the egg representing both the cracking of the land and the rebirth and growth of the city. Some of the festivities include:

###### Games/Competitions

* Egg n spoon races: A common children's game, often played by the wealthier families.
* Best in show animal competitions: including Chickens, Pigs and goats with the Rabbit competition considered the most prestigious.
* Egg Hunt: Held in neighbourhoods throughout the last day.
* Shell Crack game: a competition to find the strongest egg where competitors verses each other till only one egg remains.
* Egg Rolling: played on the steeper streets, pedestrians often have to keep an eye out for boiled eggs rolling past.

###### Food

Each night a feast is held, some in grand ballrooms - including at the castle - others more casual as street parties where the neighbourhood gets together sharing dishes and drink in a celebration of community and prosperity. Some dishes served, include:

* a variety of egg based dishes such as devilled eggs, scrambles, heavily spiced omelettes, etc.
* rabbit and other small game dishes: due to the population boom small game, specifically rabbits, are often used as the main course. This includes rabbit stews, cooked quails, rat-on-a-stick, etc.
* a number of sweet baked breads with raisins and nuts is traditionally prepared.
* motif's such as eggs, rabbits, and coins are often featured in the form of shaped butter and boiled sweets.

###### Entertainment

At night dancing is prominent with impromptu bands starting up through out the city all three evenings.

* Pole's with ribbons are often set up on the first day in the town square with young unmarried adults dancing around it to wrap the poles up. These then form the centre of the bonfires lit on the last day.
* On the last day, bonfires are set up around the Poles and lit at night.
* Rabbit races are held across the festival, often with big winnings
* The mages from the University provide magical shows and rides to the children
* Each night, displays of light fill the sky from the University and Berny makes a loop above the city, colours of light trailing behind them.

###### Crafts

* Eggs are wrapped with various materials and twine before being boiled. This gives the shell beautiful coloured patterns.
* Messages often sent to children or between young lovers and are made using artfully cut paper that makes patterns when unfolded.
* Wood carving in prominent with free classes and demonstrations throughout the 3 days.
* Flower baskets are often made and placed along the main streets.