9.4.4 THE FORGING SKILL (Trade)

Syntax: FORGE FOR <design #> (iron and steel)
        CRAFT <item type> <design #> (wood and leather)

Only those with knighthood may learn the forging trade skill. If you are a resident of a city or commune, you will automatically be a member of the forging cartel in that location and able to use the unique patterns of that cartel. Forging is the skill of creating a wide assortment of weapons and armour.

In order to forge something, you must first find a forge. Chances are it will not be burning, in which case you must buy some coal (probably at one of the markets), and put it in the forge. Then, you must FIRE FORGE to get it going. If a forge goes too long without anyone forging in it, then it will go out. Once you have got the forge going, you can try to forge something. Each item has certain commodity requirements which are viewable on the forging pattern you use.

For all forging commands, you should use the exact pattern number of the item. Once you've established that you have the proper ingredients, you may FORGE FOR <pattern number>. The commodities will be removed from your inventory and put in the forge, at which point you cannot recover them. Once you've started an item, you must FORGE a few more times to finish it - taking the item out of the forge before that point will ruin it, wasting your commodities and effort.

The exception is leather items, in which case you CRAFT <item> <number> in place of FORGE, e.g. CRAFT SCABBARD <design #>. Full details can be found in the AB for each relevant ability, e.g AB FORGING SCABBARDS.

Some items created with forging can be enhanced - see HELP ENHANCEMENTS.