A dwarven tavern is illuminated by liquid flames that dance fabulous light across the walls. With the introduction of metal powders, they can be made to turn an array of colours from beautiful vibrant greens to bright blinding whites.
The ales flow from tapped kegs, the salted meats hang from the top of the bar. The shields and axes of the recently off-duty guard are all left neatly in racks by the door. The patrons are free to move between the bars below and above and anywhere else around the
tavern squares.
A raucous place of merriment, liquor soaked braids and good times. A true beating heart of any dwarven city. Working long hours is common amongst the guests and never has the phrase “Work hard, play hard” been more applicable and apparent.
This tapestry of tipsiness is almost always built upon a foundation of music played by the songsmiths. These are the folk that were chosen by the art of song and they play their craft well. Often they wield their tools of choice with a level of artisanal expertise that the dwarves are famed for. The instruments used vary greatly depending on the smith. Citoles are the go-to choice of stringed instrument and are usually supplemented with bass violins, tambors and drums. Not to forget the voices of the songsmiths themselves in some cases. Echoing halls offer astounding acoustic properties and the voices and music are amplified by the space.
Regional Examples
There are many variables at play with the songsmiths and their artwork. Location is usually the biggest deciding factor. Dwarven cities often have their own preferences and trends that develop over time.
The famed city of
Bakan’Grod opts for a more mixed influence approach with inclusion of surface dwellers instruments. Notably woodwind pan flutes or brassy horns.
Karak’Thoon is famed for its heavier drum beats and more guttural throat singing.
The denizens of
Longshard generally prefer larger troops of complex compositions of a wide range of instruments.
Although songsmiths are greatly regarded in dwarven society, they are also sadly looked upon with disdain by some. It is a craft viewed as too progressive for those that are stone-set in their old ways.
This is a submission for my first ever Summer Camp in 2024 - I hope you enjoy my writings and I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback!
Amazing article! Have they ever tried to bridge the gap between themselves and those that see them as too progressive?
Glad you enjoyed it! Change comes slowly to the dwarves. Generationally most of the time. Which causes lingering issues for far longer than need be considering the extended lifespans. Bridges are slowly being built though :)