Forgefest

Forgefest initially began as a spirited rivalry between two well-known blacksmiths from different regions. The story starts when a curious traveler, passing through a village, engages in light-hearted teasing with a local blacksmith. The tourist relayed that the blacksmith from their town had boldly claimed to be the best in the world. Amused by the boats, the local smith joked that they should settle this dispute through a competition to determine who truly deserved the title.   Upon returning to their own town, the tourist excitedly recounted the tale of this proposed competition to the blacksmith there. Inspired by the idea, the smith promptly wrote a letter challenging his rival to a contest. After much anticipation, the day finally arrived when the two blacksmiths convened in a town in southeast Emberland. Crowds gathered, buzzing with excitement as they witnessed the competition.   The event was such a success that both blacksmiths agreed they had to make it an annual occurrence. Each subsequent year saw the competition flourish, transforming into a beloved festival that attract spectators and participants alike. As word spread about the event, it was affectionately dubbed Forgefest. Attendance soared, and the festival became a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship and community spirit.   With the growth of Forgefest, the festival grounds became a lively marketplace filled with vendors selling an array of delicious foods. Aspiring blacksmiths, eager to showcase their skills, began setting up portable forges and crafting small metal trinkets to offer as charming souvenirs.   A talented glassblower, inspired by the thriving festival, decided to join the ranks of the smiths. Realizing their craft also depended on a forge, the glassblower gathered a group of like-minded friends and set up their own stations. They began creating exquisite glassworks that quickly became popular keepsakes for those attending the festival. The Sun Catcher is the most popular item made by glassblowers.   Forgefest has evolved into a celebration not just of blacksmithing but of various artistic traders; all united in a spirit of friendly competition. The festival continued to build upon its legacy each year, becoming a cherished highlight for communities far and wide.

The competition features a variety of tools essential for crafting and creation. Both blacksmiths and glassblowers alike will use forges small enough to be portable and moved around. Blacksmiths will use anvils, providing a sturdy surface for shaping and molding metal pieces. Hammers will be used to strike and manipulate heated metal into desired forms.   Glassblowers also use forges. Additionally, they utilize specific equipment designed for blowing and shaping glass into intricate and artistic creations.

The competition kicks off with a distinct ceremonial phrase from a competition judge: "Light up the Forge." This moment marks the beginning of the exhilarating event. The smiths are given a specific time limit to forge a designated item, showcasing their talent, creativity, and craftsmanship under pressure. Their dragonkin companions are strictly prohibited from assisting the smiths during the event.   The competition is structured into several elimination rounds, where participants must demonstrate their expertise and ingenuity. Each round is designed to challenge the smiths with increasingly complex tasks, allowing only the most skilled to advance. The final round is a thrilling head-to-head showdown between the top two contestants, where only one will emerge victorious.   The crowning achievement for blacksmiths is the prestigious little anvil trophy known as the World Anvil. This trophy serves as a symbol of their mastery and status as the best smith in the world, a title that carries immense honor within the artisan community. Glassblowers will instead win a unique artistic glass trophy.   While not claiming the top prize, the runner-up blacksmith is still awarded with an anvil trophy painted a striking shade of blue, referred to as the Blue Anvil. This acknowledgment celebrates their skill and effort, marking them commendable participants in this fierce competition.   Moreover, the winner of the event—for both blacksmiths and glassblowers—earns the esteemed title of Forgemaster, bestowing upon them the recognition of their talent. This title remains theirs until they are ultimately defeated by another contender, adding an ongoing legacy and anticipation to the festival's spirit.