Members of the American Metalworkers Union Local 27 gathered in front of the Capitol Building today to symbolically pour out flagons of dwarven mead and ale in order to protest legislation that would eliminate trade barriers between the United States and the Kingdom of Dwarves.

“I’ve got nothing against dwarves– they’re a vigorous, hardy folk– but don’t they live amongst the rock and stone their whole lives, communing with the spirits of the Earth every day? How can our average, above-ground human weapon and armor smiths compete with that?” said Harry Lancaster, a 43-year old father of two who joined the picketers.

The outcry comes at a sensitive time for the dwarves as criticism of their legendary craftsmanship has been on the rise. A recent independent study made waves when it concluded that helms of dwarven make do not, in fact, protect the head any better than those of other races– and may even fall behind in some areas, such as fashionability.

“It is now clear for all to see: the idea that dwarven arms and armor are inherently superior is but a myth, one that has been perpetuated over the many centuries since the Awakening, by their well-funded public relations campaign,” wrote Fala’del Moonwither, dark elf and noted dwarf critic, in a recent New York Times editorial.

The dwarven trade bloc, unused to being on the defensive, issued a hasty report disputing the findings. “Test!? I’ll test my battle axe against Moonwither’s head, by my great-grandfather’s beard!!” the report read in part.

But Carl Frederickson, the lead organizer of today’s rally, feels the tide is turning. “We’re sending a powerful message today: we don’t want Big Dwarf taking away America’s jobs,” he shouted, to cheers and applause.

Additional reporting by friend of Hardcasual Matthew Wasteland.