The Habits of the Dwarvandor

The Dwarvandor are a proud and ancient race with a deep respect for the earth and the treasures it holds. As such, they have many festivals and celebrations throughout the year that honor their ancestors, the spirits of the earth, and the bountiful riches they have unearthed from the depths of the mountains.

One of the most important festivals in Dwarvandor culture is the **Day of Remembrance**. This is a solemn occasion where the Dwarvandor gather to honor their fallen ancestors and pay tribute to their great deeds. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, and often involves the lighting of candles and the recitation of epic tales and legends.

The lighting of candles or torches in memory of the fallen is a traditional practice during the Day of Remembrance. These lights are often placed on altars or in special shrines dedicated to the ancestors, and are left burning throughout the day and night as a symbol of remembrance and respect.

Another traditional practice is the recitation of epic tales and legends that honor the great deeds of the Dwarvandor's ancestors. These tales often feature heroes and heroines who have overcome great challenges and achieved great feats, and are meant to inspire and motivate the living to follow in their footsteps.

The Day of Remembrance is also a time for quiet reflection and introspection, with many Dwarvandor taking time to meditate or pray in honor of their ancestors. This can involve visits to special shrines or temples, or simply quiet moments of contemplation and gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who came before.

Another important festival among the Dwarvandor is the **Festival of the Forge**. This is a celebration of their great craft and metalworking skills, and often involves competitions between different clans to see who can create the most impressive weapon or piece of armor. There are also great feasts and music and dancing, as the Dwarvandor celebrate their great accomplishments and the power of the earth that fuels their craft.

The competitions often involve several rounds of challenges, with each round becoming progressively more difficult. In the first round, competitors are given a basic design and must create a simple weapon or piece of armor using a limited selection of materials. This round tests their skills in basic metalworking techniques and their ability to work quickly and efficiently.

In the second round, competitors are given a more complex design and must create a more intricate weapon or piece of armor using a wider selection of materials. This round tests their ability to work with more challenging designs and materials, as well as their creativity and innovation in coming up with unique solutions.

The final round is often the most challenging, with competitors being given a completely open-ended design brief and a wide selection of materials to work with. This round tests their ability to innovate and create something truly unique and impressive, while still adhering to the strict standards of quality and craftsmanship that are so important to Dwarvandor culture.

At the end of the competition, judges evaluate each piece based on its quality, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetic appeal. The winner is usually awarded a coveted prize, such as a rare and valuable metal or gemstone, and their creation is often put on display for all to see.

**The Feast of the Mountain's Bounty** is another important festival among the Dwarvandor. This is a time when they give thanks for the abundant resources that the earth provides, and often involves great feasts and celebrations where all members of the community come together to share in the bounty of the earth. The food served during this festival often reflects the earth's bounty and the great skill of the Dwarvandor in preparing it.

One traditional dish served during the Feast of the Mountain's Bounty is a hearty stew made with root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes, and slow-cooked with tender chunks of meat, such as beef or lamb. This stew is often seasoned with herbs and spices and can be served with crusty bread or dumplings.

Another popular dish is roasted game, such as venison or boar, which is often slow-roasted over an open fire to create a rich, smoky flavor. This is typically served with a side of roasted root vegetables and a hearty sauce made from foraged berries or fruits.

Breads and pastries are also an important part of the Feast of the Mountain's Bounty, with the Dwarvandor being known for their skill in baking. One traditional bread is a hearty, dense loaf made with whole grains and nuts, often served with a spread of honey or fruit preserves. Pastries and pies filled with fruits or nuts are also popular, and can be served as a sweet dessert or a savory side dish.

The food served during the Feast of the Mountain's Bounty is hearty, flavorful, and reflective of the bounty of the earth that the Dwarvandor hold in such high regard.

Overall, the Dwarvandor take great pride in their heritage and the power of the earth, and their festivals and celebrations reflect this deep respect and reverence for the natural world.