SlagsSchlages

SlagsSchlages is a traditional competitive activity in the fictional industrial region of Grendelmere. It blends sport, craft, and ceremony and centers on the handling and refinement of slag, the byproduct of metal smelting. The name is a compound of slag and schlages, an old term tied to striking blows used in early refining practices.

Origin and development: The practice is said to have originated among mining communities in the Grendelmere highlands during the medieval period and was formalized in municipal codes by the 19th century. Modern SlagsSchlages is governed by a regional federation that standardizes equipment, safety, and scoring.

Format and rules: Teams of up to eight compete in two stages during a festival day. In the handling stage, participants operate cranes, winches, and mechanical hammers to move and arrange slag blocks. In the refinement stage, they shape and dress blocks into uniform forms using chisels, grinders, and heat-resistant tools. Scoring combines time, precision, and the weight or market value of the final blocks, with penalties for safety breaches or contaminated blocks.

Cultural role: SlagsSchlages serves as a community showcase for technical skill and vocational training, with demonstrations, markets, and youth outreach. It is a focal point of Grendelmere’s regional identity and has inspired local crafts and engineering education programs.