Travel
of the distant lands
The Worlds Edge Mountains are considered the largest mountain range in the whole explored world. It reaches from the most northern parts of the Empire to as far south as the jungles of the Southlands. As you are walking in the mountain pass, stones are only things you can see in this land. Those mountains are incredible craftworks of the Gods, and the towering peaks are so high as if they would block the sunshine. However, it’s never a good place for a traveler to visit alone. The wild creatures and cruel, dry weather can easily bring the end time to you. Unless you are like me, become the guest of mountain kingdoms.
Dwarfs
Dwarfs, or Dawi as they call themselves, are one of the oldest races in this world. Only a few people are allowed to visit their underground kingdom because dwarfs believe most of the human are distrustful. They even make a comment about us that “Manling(human) coins are like their words: never trust them.” I was lucky enough that a band of Dwarf miners were willing to guarantee my credit. Thus, I have hung out with them for a month. Dwarfs are sturdy and strong creatures both in physical and internal. They tend to argue about everything no matter how tiny it is until you finally agree with them. A Dwarf usually dresses in linen clothes of deep colors with several oil stains or dust, because their daily jobs are whether digging in the tunnel or building their steam machines.
Dwarfs love gold and all kinds of gems, and they are definitely the most brilliant craftsmen in this world. Their works are far more beautiful and hundreds of times more valuable than our trinkets. Most of their crafts are able to change to different colors in different conditions which is an unbelievable technique for human craftsmen. Dwarf’s buildings are like their personality, solid and sturdy. All of their buildings are stone based, squared grand halls. Their outside walls are decorated with delicate cameos of the faces of their ancestors. Since Dwarfs build their homes underground, most of the buildings are surrounded by tons of metal tubes. Each of the tubes has different functions, some are used to transform water or exhaust gas, and some are used for communication.
I also experience some real dwarfs’ food during the month that I have spent in the mountain kingdom. Roasted bread is their staple food. Dwarf’s bread is made by coarse grain and toasted in their brick oven. The just cooked bread is as hard as a stone. If you don’t want to break your teeth, it is better to wait for a while. Dwarf usually eat their food with an alcoholic beverage called Bugman’s XXXXX. The name comes from its maker Josef Bugman. Its ingredient is a mystery, but everyone who drinks a mug shall feel flows of energy running through his body.
