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Developer Diary: Summer Festival

The Keg-races at Thorin’s Hall

As the sweltering heat in northern Ered Luin threatens to melt up to two inches of snow from the mountains this summer, the dwarves of Thorin’s Hall must find a way to idle away their time during the hottest days of the year.

The dwarves of Thorin’s Halls are well prepared for the rigourous Keg-races that will take place this summer in Frerin’s Court. The four contestants all have a great deal of experience with running about in pursuit of the next mug…and naturally with downing that mug as well.

Kolmar

Kolmar, a resident of the Iron Hills, travelled to Thorin’s Hall last winter to participate in the festival being held there. He enjoyed it so much that he never left! He is a favourite patron at the Inn, and many a dwarf has marveled at his rather vigourous enjoyment of fine beers in great quantity. The innkeeper, while very grateful for the steady flow of coin into his purse, has been heard grumbling at times about how difficult it is to keep such a thirsty dwarf well-supplied. Keeping Thorin’s Hall stocked with an adequate supply of beer has apparently never been so difficult.

Lar

Lar, the fairest-haired of all the contestants, is revered first and foremost for his outstanding appearance. His burly arms, muscular legs, and flowing golden beard make him a good-looking candidate, to say the least. For what could a dwarf need to win a keg-race besides two great strong arms with which to lift a mug, and a pair of excellent legs to boot? Lar is usually present at every social gathering from Gondamon to Thorin’s Hall. Ever popular for his charm, he is regularly supplied with a constant provision of brew. Free of charge, naturally!

Signar

Signar’s flaming red hair is very visible against the snows of Frerin’s Court. His locks are so bright they’ve been known to offend the eyes of spectators. Once the kegs are tapped, however that distracting orange colour tends to become quickly lost in the froth of cold ale and the shadow of a quickly-downed mug. His hobbies include drinking, racing, and knocking out any who stare impolitely at his red locks. Signar’s fervour matches his fiery mane, but does it lend him speed? This hotheaded dwarf will stop at nothing to best his competitors with their tresses so dull.

Ottó

Ottó, an adventurous resident of Thorin’s Hall, is newly-returned from a long expedition. In truth it was rather a short expedition – he meant it to be long, certainly, and hoped that his path would take him beyond the Hollin Gate for a reunion with Brogur and Bósi’s folk. He was, however, hopelessly diverted from his goals the moment he set foot in Needlehole. He spent the better part of a year sampling, and happily drowning in, the finest and most excellent brews of the whole Shire. His rigourous training routine of drinking great quantities of beer and travelling from inn to inn has made him a favourite in the Keg-racing competition this summer.