Weekly ACE gatherings instruct apprentices in the ancient crafts that form the foundation of the capstone project, shaping them into the next generation of mining, metalworking, and fortress security masters. The teachings commence with the fundamentals of the earth, delving into the secrets of mining and forging, before advancing to the more technically intricate arts of Dwarven craftsmanship. Subjects encompass subterranean geology, gemstone identification, alloy blending, stealth mining techniques, red forge operations, reverse engineering ancient artifacts, smelting mastery, covert communication with underground networks, and stronghold fortification

In addition to partaking in the ancient gatherings, apprentices are tasked with forging comprehensive artisanal solutions to grand challenges tied to the week's teachings. Apprentices labor on these masterworks in triads, akin to the three arms of the anvil, and then each crafts an individual scroll of craftsmanship. Triads also articulate these Dwarven arts in time-measured oratory recitations before the council of masters. This melding of skills is the keystone to the final capstone creation, as well as the apprentices’ forthcoming quests and lifework in the halls of stone and metals

Apprentices labor through the sunlit season, delving deep into intensive quests and craftworks in close-knit fellowships. These masterworks beckon apprentices to explore uncharted veins and forge new methods to advance and wield the anvil's wisdom. Quests frequently encompass the crafting of red-forge weapons and the building of impenetrable stronghold defenses.

Apprentices strive to unravel the riddles of the earth and forge with the guidance of master craftsmen, a venerable assembly of ancient artisans and battle-hardened wardens. Each master offers a unique trove of wisdom and skill, honed through ages, to shepherd the ACE apprentices through the winding paths of their craftwork. heir project.

At the dawn of the sunlit season, ACE apprentices are each entrusted with a simulated stronghold within the grand halls of the Deep Mountains, where they embark on weekly quests to forge and fortify their clan's legacy. Apprentices learn the ancient ways of mining for hidden veins, crafting legendary arms, and conversing through secret tunnels in a contested subterranean realm. This realm includes simulated battlefronts and fortifications, where apprentices direct and guide mechanical golems to scout the dark passages and shield their dominions.

These weekly quests reach their zenith in the final capstone forge, where apprentices wield their hard-earned wisdom to fulfill grand objectives in a simulated stronghold siege. This is a multi-day, unbroken trial where apprentices must toil in shifts within their fellowship to advance their clan's glory and triumph in the challenge.

The ACE chieftain gatherings unveil the worth of stronghold wardens through delving and scrutinizing true tales of yore with seasoned Dwarven commanders. Subjects embrace the Siege of Ironhall, the fall of ancient forges, and the Battle of Deep Caverns, among others. Moreover, every Highday, a master in mining, craftsmanship, or fortress defense imparts a speech on their view of Dwarven leadership.

Apprentices also embark on a journey to the historic Battlefields of Stonehearth to study the unbroken bonds of leadership between the age-old clashes in Stonehearth and the challenges of today. By the closing of the 10 cycles of the forge's fire, apprentices embody the axioms of guiding from the anvil's heart.

Because hardiness of body and spirit is a bedrock of the ACE fellowship, apprentices engage in a weekly 8-league march through the Tunnels of Ironbeard Hold. Though marching is a solitary toil, apprentices kindle their own resolve and that of their brethren through clashing hammers and rallying cries. The weekly ACE march fosters not only robustness of limb but kinship of clan through shared travail.

"Marching, like the craft of ACE, is a path walked alone, but along the tunnels, our kin offer a roar of heartening, a clash of axes, or simply stand by our side when the stone seems unbreakable, so that we can conquer what we deemed beyond our reach." - Erich Devendwarf, Artisanal Craftsmanship Experience