Smithcraft Hall
Contents
History
The Smithcraft Hall was originally sited at Garnet Valley due to the ready availability of minerals and ores from the nearby Minecraft Hall. It was founded thirty-six turns after Garnet Valley Hold was begun.
Location
Building Information
Early leadership guided the creation of the Hall in a deep natural cavern within the Great Barrier Range. The cavern had natural ventilation which was augmented by the judicious drilling of additional ventilation shafts.
Light soon became a problem, especially for those aspects of the craft which required good lighting, such as fine metalsmithing. Since glows proved insufficient for these applications, a large, airy work area was constructed on the face of the mountain, connected to the deeper areas of the Hall. The work space had many large windows which were protected by closely placed metal slats, a design created by an early Hallmaster.
Technology Level
In the fullness of time, after AIVAS revealed some of the lost technology of the Ancients, hydroelectric power became available for lighting and heat. More sophisticated information about metalworking techniques, alloys designed for specific applications, and improved designs for such basics as flame-throwers and protective gear for dragonriders were among the many benefits realized by studying the information and principles available in AIVAS' data files. A succession of open-minded, forward-thinking MasterSmiths allowed the smithcraft as a whole to take advantage of these riches of information.
Female Policy
Due to the recent death of the Smith Craftmaster, and a new female Craftmaster being elected, the Smithcraft policy is that women will begin to be allowed to apprentice again, after month 6 of Turn 2, 10th Pass (Interval Turn 1204).
Population and Plague Effects
The craft was making excellent progress when the plague struck. Deprived of many accomplished masters and promising journeymen of both genders, the smithcraft was forced to scale back many projects and planned expansions to the Hall. In the current Pass, Hallmasters struggle to reclaim something of the craft's former plans and aspirations. He is aided by able craftspeople, but hampered by their small numbers and by the relentless lack of sixty-four-candlemark days.
