06-05-2024, 10:14 PM
Shaping
The most recognizable part of the smithery and also where much of it evolves into Artificery. It is where ores transcend to be beyond its nature-given form, becoming simple things such as swords to all the way to complicated magi-tech. It is simple yet complicated as there is quite no technique necessary in its basest form, yet possibly consists of the most varied techniques within the three steps.
As such, one can only say that it is up to the smith how to go about it. All I may provide are the tools and options to go about it.
___
Shaping is done when the material is still red hot, but no longer liquid. Just few degrees below the material's melting point. Often, this step takes place between quenching and smelting, but the reason it is put last will be explained later on.
Great care must be taken when using multiple different kinds of materials, taking into account their various properties. However, when you are at the skill level of doing so, you won't need this instruction and it is best to experiment yourself. Nonetheless, the two most common tools and their use will be explained, the root with which all things extend from.
The anvil is a special existence, even more so for Artificing. The magicality of it to be explained later, this will focus on its physical properties instead. No matter what, it is the very foundation within which one does their work and the platform in which most artificer's creation is made.
The hammer is the second. With enough skill, all things can indeed be made from but an anvil and a hammer. Soft and hefty blows alike should be used appropriately. Always take care to first check the temperature of a material before hammering, ensuring it its hot enough to mold the material rather than damaging it. Soft and accurate hits ensure a blade edge while powerful blows harden the blade's spine. A constant and rolling hits will ensure a perfect edge, while each heavy hit needs to be felt and mused on. The very act of forging is a percussive excersice anyone attuned to sound will realize.
Various other tools and equipment too maybe needed:
Tongs to hold heated materials.
Chisel to bevel and carve, useful for magical implements.
Vices and levers to hold in place.
Shaping tools for the formation of barels and circular appendages.
Needles and threads for leatherwork.
Saws for woodworking.
The most recognizable part of the smithery and also where much of it evolves into Artificery. It is where ores transcend to be beyond its nature-given form, becoming simple things such as swords to all the way to complicated magi-tech. It is simple yet complicated as there is quite no technique necessary in its basest form, yet possibly consists of the most varied techniques within the three steps.
As such, one can only say that it is up to the smith how to go about it. All I may provide are the tools and options to go about it.
___
Shaping is done when the material is still red hot, but no longer liquid. Just few degrees below the material's melting point. Often, this step takes place between quenching and smelting, but the reason it is put last will be explained later on.
Great care must be taken when using multiple different kinds of materials, taking into account their various properties. However, when you are at the skill level of doing so, you won't need this instruction and it is best to experiment yourself. Nonetheless, the two most common tools and their use will be explained, the root with which all things extend from.
The anvil is a special existence, even more so for Artificing. The magicality of it to be explained later, this will focus on its physical properties instead. No matter what, it is the very foundation within which one does their work and the platform in which most artificer's creation is made.
The hammer is the second. With enough skill, all things can indeed be made from but an anvil and a hammer. Soft and hefty blows alike should be used appropriately. Always take care to first check the temperature of a material before hammering, ensuring it its hot enough to mold the material rather than damaging it. Soft and accurate hits ensure a blade edge while powerful blows harden the blade's spine. A constant and rolling hits will ensure a perfect edge, while each heavy hit needs to be felt and mused on. The very act of forging is a percussive excersice anyone attuned to sound will realize.
Various other tools and equipment too maybe needed:
Tongs to hold heated materials.
Chisel to bevel and carve, useful for magical implements.
Vices and levers to hold in place.
Shaping tools for the formation of barels and circular appendages.
Needles and threads for leatherwork.
Saws for woodworking.