The Forge

The Forge is a smithing guild based in Port Bliss but has a presence through out the area. Any young smith who takes am apprenticeship with a smith in Port Bliss is automatically registered as a member of the guild. At the completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice must present a final work to the heads of the guild and, if approved, they then become a full member obtaining the rank of Stone Shaper. The guild is run by a counsel of three master smiths who have obtained the rank of Forge Master. Only three people can hold the rank of Forge Master at a time and the opportunity to move to this rank only happens when one of the smiths of this rank steps down (which is customary to do after holding the position for 20 years) or dies. Every year on the summer solstice, anyone wanting to move up in rank (besides the apprentices) must present their best work to the three Forge Masters who will then judge if they are ready to move up in the guild. A new Forge Master must be unanimously agreed upon by the current Forge Masters.

Ranks in The Forge:
 * Apprentice- Initiate into the guild, no dues but also no benefits.
 * Stone Shaper- Allowed to run their own forge under the observation of a Steel Shaper.
 * Iron Shaper- Allowed to take apprentices but their forge is still checked up on by a Steel Shaper.
 * Steel Shaper- Allowed to independently run their own forge. Monitors forges assigned to them by the Forge Masters.
 * Forge Master- Heads of the guild. No longer have to pay dues but are expected to make donations of either money or their works.