View source for Sekmeht/Crafting/ForgingGuide

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= DragonRealms Forging Guide =

Forging is a crafting discipline in DragonRealms that allows you to create various weapons and tools from metal. This guide will cover the essential aspects of forging, from the tools required to the process of making an ingot and crafting items.

== Required Tools and Materials ==
Before you begin forging, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:

Standard Gear: Speed templates help reduce Roundtime.
* '''Forge Hammer:''' Used to work the metal.
* '''Tongs:''' For handling hot metal safely.
* '''Shovel:''' Used to shovel fuel into the fire.
* '''Bellows:''' To stoke the forge and maintain heat.
* '''Pliers:''' Used for Armorsmithing.
* '''Ingot:''' The raw material is turned into what are called Ingots, this is after the ore has been melted and poured.

Consumables: Quality of Consumable improves overall quality of finished item.
* '''Hilt:''' Used for making bladed weapons.
* '''Haft:''' Used for making blunt weapons.
* '''Pole:''' Used for making stave weapons.
* '''Strap:''' Used for making brawling weapons.
* '''Pad:''' Used with armorsmithing.
* '''Shield handle:''' Used when smithing shields.
* '''Oil:''' Used to finish an item.

You can purchase most of these tools from a smithing shop or find them in various locations throughout the game.

== Setting Up Your Forge ==
To begin forging, you’ll need access to a forge, which can usually be found in a blacksmith's shop or a designated crafting area.

# '''Light the Forge:''' 
** Use your '''Bellows''' to stoke the fire and ensure it’s hot enough for smelting.
** Add '''Fuel''' to the forge if necessary to maintain the heat.

# '''Prepare the Anvil:'''
** Place your '''Anvil''' in front of the forge, where you will be working the metal.

== Smelting Ore into Ingots ==
The first step in forging any item is to create a metal ingot from raw ore.

# '''Place Ore in the Crucible:'''
** Add the '''Ore''' into the '''Crucible'''.
   
# '''Heat the Ore:'''
** Place the crucible in the forge and allow it to heat until the ore melts.

# '''Pour the Metal:'''
** Once the ore has melted, carefully pour the molten metal into an ingot mold.
   
# '''Cool the Ingot:'''
** Submerge the mold into a '''Water Bucket''' to cool the metal, forming a solid ingot.

== Forging the Item ==
Once you have your ingot, you can start the actual forging process.

# '''Heat the Ingot:'''
** Place the ingot back into the forge until it reaches a workable temperature.

# '''Shape the Metal:'''
** Use the '''Forge Hammer''' and '''Tongs''' to begin shaping the hot metal on the '''Anvil'''. Depending on the item you’re forging, you may need to reheat the metal multiple times.

# '''Remove Slag:'''
** Occasionally, use the '''Slag Hammer''' to remove any impurities (slag) that form on the metal.

# '''Form the Item:'''
** Continue shaping the metal until it takes the desired form (e.g., sword, axe, shield).

# '''Sharpen and Finish:'''
** After the item is shaped, use the '''Grinder''' to sharpen the blade or smooth out rough edges.

== Final Touches ==
# '''Cool the Item:'''
** After finishing your work, submerge the item in a '''Water Bucket''' to cool it down.

# '''Polish the Item:'''
** You may use polishing stones or cloths to give the item a shiny, finished look.

# '''Appraise the Item:'''
** Use the '''APPRAISE''' command to check the quality and value of your forged item.

== Tips and Tricks ==
* '''Practice:''' Forging is a skill that improves with practice. Start with simple items and work your way up to more complex creations.
* '''Watch Your Heat:''' Keep an eye on the temperature of your metal. Overheating can ruin the metal, while underheating will make it difficult to shape.
* '''Join a Crafting Society:''' Many towns have crafting societies where you can use specialized tools and get advice from more experienced smiths.
* '''Experiment with Alloys:''' Some items can be made stronger or lighter by mixing different types of metal during the smelting process.
* '''Study Techniques:''' Read books and talk to NPCs to learn new forging techniques and recipes.

By following this guide, you should be well on your way to becoming a skilled blacksmith in DragonRealms. Happy forging!