We recently celebrated Winter Veil, a time to spend with family and loved ones at the warmth of a home, near a fireplace and with a nice warm meal. This tradition varies from race to race, even if it has some common elements. As some may know this is of special importance for dwarves, always interested in their titanic origins, they consider Greatfather Winter a personification of the Titans and their home, Dun Morogh, a perfect example of the blessings of Greatfather Winter. It was thanks to Muradn Bronzebeard this celebration was introduced to the Alliance at large.
In this article we will meet a group of dwarves and hear of their initiatives to make sure dwarven traditions are not forgotten and are enjoyed by everyone. The Dwarves of the Morodnir, some may already know them and their story nights, but for those that do not, we will start with introducing them. I had the chance to speak with Hruroth Runebraid, a wizard, and Frolbar Boldbeard, Lord of the Morodnir.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
First, I'd like to know more about you, the dwarves of the Morodnir. Who are you and what do you do?
Frolbar Boldbeard:
We're a company o' kinsmen lookin' te bring back that wee spark o' joy. Reinvigorate tha' Dwarven spirit after years o' war.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
That's a magnificent objective, I imagine that's why you travel around organizing story telling nights?
Hruroth Runebraid:
That and livin' the Adventures that make 'em.
Frolbar Boldbeard:
Tis all well an' good te tell others how te be better. Bu' t'were me grandfather tha' always told me te be the change ye want te see.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
How often do this nights happen? I know the location varies, you have been in Astranaar, Boralus, Ironforge and Dalaran...
Frolbar Boldbeard:
We try do one roughly every two weeks. Atleast every month. It depends on where our travels take us an' how far from the town an' cities we travel. We migh' spend a few weeks fightin' off some trogg menace underground. Then poppin' back out fer a tall tales time migh' nae be entirely feasible. Ye see?
I have personally had the chance to be in one of those story nights, and I sincerely recommend to attend them if they happen to be close to you, attendees are more than welcome to participate and tell their own stories. For those unaware this next January, from 14th to 16th, they will be hosting the Festival of the Froge, three days of people getting together and having fun. I asked more about this event that hasn’t happened in a long time.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
And in January you'll be hosting the Festival of the Forge, what is the spirit of this festival?
Hruroth Runebraid:
Well it has two parts lass.
First, we was approached by tha' Senate to organize an' ressurect the old tradition as it was before tha' war o'three hammers. When every winter the clans would gather in tha' city to sell their wares and make grand trade, wit' jubilation an' revelry. So tha' Festival be first part a duty to honour tha' old tradition and to assist tha' Senate.Article continues after the ad.
The second? It's a festival! packed with Dwarven pass times, singing, drinking, story's, winter games of many sports... and then the Grand markets. So it be an honour to bring that to life for tha' Morodnir, as thats what we live for.
So the spirit? It's Dwarven spirit! Revelry, competition and trade!
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
So, about the activities of the festival, what are they and is it necessary to sign up in advance?
Hruroth Runebraid:
Well! They vary from night to night.
The first night we will meet those attending outside tha' city gates and welcome in to the sound of horns as per the tradition, then onto the Military ward for drinking, games, song and story. We'll have a Bards contest, axe throwing, Hot foot-- ha, and a story contest. No need to sign up in advance.
Second night? Tha' winter games will be in Kharnos, we'll start with tha' great Chug race, which be an endurance run. And then the Kharnos challenge-- a series of games that score points! whoever scores the most throughout, wins. Alongside sledding, and other such things. ending with a wrestling match between Morgrim coalhammer and Vedir Ironheart. Again, no need to sign up in advance.
The last night is tha' Grand market, where people do need to contact us in advance to have a spot! We have fine Artisans from all across azeroth coming. Want to buy high quality armour? A custom weapon? maybe tools, reagents, herbs! ACH-- we have some of tha' worlds best tailors coming. Two thrids of our space already be allocated, but we're planning incase we need more.
Frolbar Boldbeard:
Tis all about accessibility.
Givin' folks the opportunity te enjoy some good hospitality wit' the least amount o' hastle. We wan' folks te come, see the sights if they have nae already. Experience a love fer tha' city like we do every day. Migh' encourage 'em te come back sometime. Be i' fer tradin' o' otherwise.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
Any type of trader you're looking for? I assume you're open to anyone, but if you feel something is missing…
Hruroth Runebraid:
Well we're keen on Tailors! Gem cutters! Alchemists and some non-dwarven Blacksmiths!
For those wanting more information here is the schedule of the three days:
Friday 14th of January:
19:30 – Opening Cereminy
20:30 – Battle of Bards
21:00 – Tournament of Tales
21:30 – Braggards Bluff
22:00 – Axe Throwing
23:00 – Hot Foot
Saturday 15th of January:
20:00 – Winter Games Gathering
20.30 – The Great Chug Race
21:00 – The Kharanos Challenge
21:30 – Sledding
22:00 – Fight Night
Sunday 16th of January:
20:00 – The Grand Market
23:00 – Closing Ceremony
We hope to see you there either enjoying the competitions or hosting a stall, but even more, enjoying and appreciating dwarven culture and their celebrations.