The Harvest Ball

The golden leaves overhead rattled like coins in the brisk autumn wind as the guests gathered beneath the stone arches of House Stonefist’s gardens. Lanterns bobbed among the branches, casting warm, amber light over tables laden with roasted boar, crisp apples, braided breads, and wheels of sharp white cheese. The scent of malt and honey drifted from the newly tapped barrels; the First Pour had just begun, and laughter rang as golden ale frothed over tankards, splashing onto stone and soil alike.

Dwarves in burnished copper and green bustled among human, elf, and even halfling guests, pressing trays of steaming root pies and glazed carrots into eager hands. Children darted between the knees of chatting elders, clutching sugared nuts or snatching apple slices when they thought no one looked.

In the hall, a line of Stonefist brewers began the Harvest Dance—stomping boots, clapping hands, and spinning partners in great, raucous circles. The music was wild and bright, as if the last sunlight of summer had been bottled for this very night. Nobles in brocade coats were swept into the chaos by sturdy dwarven arms, and the air was thick with cheers and the clang of mugs meeting in toasts.

Somewhere near the main hearth, an old woman—her hair the colour of winter wheat—quietly filled empty cups and listened to the talk around her. No one quite knew who had invited her, but many claimed, in later years, that she gave the best advice of the evening: gentle words that set troubled minds at ease, or a clever nudge that kindled new hope.

As midnight neared, the harvest moon rose over the gardens, casting silver over the gold. The feast and dance carried on, the bounty of the year celebrated in every bite and every joyful shout. In the heart of House Stonefist, for one night, everyone was kin.

Host: House Stonefist (dwarven nobility)
Theme: Bounty, gratitude, craftsmanship, and community
Colours: Gold, copper, russet, deep green—echoing autumn leaves and ripe fields
Setting:

• Begins outdoors in the stone-walled gardens beneath a canopy of golden-leafed trees, shifting indoors to the grand stone hall as evening deepens.
• Tables groan with platters of roast wild boar, root vegetables, fresh-baked bread, and every variety of ale and mead—all brewed by Stonefist hands.

Traditions:

• The First Pour: The eldest matriarch or patriarch of House Stonefist taps the first barrel of new-season ale, sharing it with honoured guests as a blessing for the year ahead.
• Harvest Dance: A rousing, often rowdy dance led by dwarven musicians, with everyone from lords to labourers joining in.
• Feasting and Toasts: Throughout the night, toasts are made to the harvest, to hard work, to family (found and blood), and to Ysandra’s wisdom in giving all the tools needed for success.
• Open Invitation: While the nobility gather for the ball, the gardens and outer halls are open to the whole community—no one goes hungry after the harvest.

The Harvest Ball is hosted each year by House Stonefist on their estate on Grundr at Amberday in the Cycle of Noent in the Season of Envylon.