Guilds/Unyd's Forge

# Unyd's Forge

## Unyd's Forge

**Unyd's Forge**, often referred to as just *Forge* or *Union*, - is one of eleven and the second oldest among the guilds present and active on Fayers Cove. The guild counts approximately less than 30 members. The guild was founded by Dram Unyd and Umyr Unyd, sons of Unyd Zogg, - Fayers Cove's hero and leader of resistance during the War for independence.

## About

While functioning as a forge and smith hall on its own, this guild also advocates for fair treatment, wages, and safe conditions for laborers of all kinds. Unyd's Forge, bearing the namesake of the island's renowned resistance leader, Unyd Zogg, has a humble origin as a modest local smithy. Originally established by Unyd himself and fellow exiles possessing valuable craftsmanship and blacksmithing skills, it has since evolved into one of the most expansive and busiest smithing facilities within Fayers Cove.

### Location

The guild occupies Forgehall as its main hub, while also maintaining ownership over some of the shops within Artisans Row in the old center of the township.

### Goals

Unyd's Forge, initially established by Unyd Zogg's sons - Dram Unyd and Ymir Unyd - to honor their father's legacy and ensure the continuous provision of essential tools to Fayers Cove, has evolved over time into an institution of paramount importance to the laborers of the island. Today, it stands as a bastion of tradition, excellence, and community welfare within the township:

1. **Craftsmanship Excellence**: The foremost aim of Unyd's Forge is to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship. The artisans and blacksmiths who carry on Unyd's work are dedicated to producing top-quality tools, weapons, and equipment, ensuring that the island's inhabitants have access to the finest wares.
2. **Supporting the Grey Cloaks**: Unyd's Forge plays an integral role in supporting the Grey Cloaks militia, crafting weapons and armor for the town's defenders. This contribution aids in safeguarding Fayers Cove and its residents from external threats, maintaining the town's security.
3. **Fostering Community**: Beyond their contributions to the defense of the town, Unyd's Forge seeks to strengthen the bonds within the Fayers Cove community of exiles. By offering training and apprenticeships to aspiring blacksmiths and artisans, the forge promotes a sense of togetherness and skill development among the townsfolk.
4. **Preserving Tradition**: Unyd's Forge is dedicated to preserving the rich blacksmithing tradition that has been a part of Fayers Cove's history for generations. The artisans at the forge employ time-honored techniques alongside innovative methods, ensuring that the craft continues to thrive.
5. **Honoring Unyd's Legacy**: As a tribute to its founder, Unyd's Forge honors the legacy of Unyd Zogg by upholding the values of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the craft. The forge serves as a living memorial to the hero of Fayers Cove, ensuring that his memory lives on in every piece of finely crafted metalwork.
6. **Union for Laborers**: Unyd's Forge functions as a union representing the working class within Fayers Cove. It advocates for fair treatment, wages, and safe conditions for laborers of all kinds, ensuring that the rights and well-being of the town's workforce are upheld.

## Guild's structure and leadership

### Structure

In the leadership structure of Unyd's Forge, the role of the Leader holds both symbolic and practical significance. Tradition dictates that the Leader must be a Master Blacksmith, embodying the legacy of Unyd Zogg himself. The Leader serves as the guiding force and primary decision-maker for the union, ensuring that the values and goals set by Unyd's legacy are upheld. The guild's current leader is Forge Master Darian Stoneheart.

Alongside the Leader, the union is governed by a Council of Elders. Comprising experienced and respected members of the forge, the Council provides valuable insights, advice, and perspectives on key matters. Their role is not only consultative, supporting the Leader in making informed decisions that benefit the laborers and the community at large, but also active at the decision making itself via voting system. The Council counts 6 members, and with only the majority of votes including Forge Master the decisions are made.

The guild's most accomplished and trustworthy blacksmiths are recognized as Master Artisans. They are responsible for encouraging innovation and artistic expression within the craft of blacksmithing. These individuals continually push the boundaries of what can be achieved through their exceptional skills and knowledge. Master Artisans can also serve as union representatives.

The Artisans constitute the backbone of Unyd's Forge. These skilled craftsmen and craftswomen are essential contributors to the production of various tools, weapons, and other items. They are dedicated to maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship set by the guild. The Forge Guards play a critical role in safeguarding the guild's premises and shops. They ensure security and protect the interests of Unyd's Forge by preventing theft or unauthorized access. The Treasurer takes on the responsibility of managing the union's finances, keeping meticulous records, and ensuring transparency in all financial transactions.

 Council of Elders
 Master Artisans
 Artisans
 Forge Guards
 Treasurer

### Leadership

At the pinnacle of the guild's leadership hierarchy stands the Forge Master, a position of great honor held by individuals with exceptional blacksmithing skills and extensive experience. The Forge Master takes on the role of a guiding force, making crucial decisions that shape the direction of the guild, representing the interests of the laborers, and upholding the legacy of Unyd Zogg. The guild's current leader is Forge Master Darian Stoneheart.

Supporting the Forge Master is the distinguished Council of Elders, a group comprised of seasoned and highly skilled blacksmiths. These individuals offer their expertise and wisdom to advise the Forge Master on significant matters. Their primary focus is to maintain the time-honored traditions of Unyd's Forge, ensure the quality of craftsmanship remains exceptional, and contribute to the overall leadership and guidance of the guild. Notably, members of the Council of Elders may also serve as union representatives, fostering communication and unity among the laborers.

Master Artisans form another integral part of the guild's leadership. These accomplished and trusted blacksmiths hold a pivotal role in driving innovation and artistic expression within the craft of blacksmithing. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques adds a dynamic element to the guild's operations. Like the Council of Elders, Master Artisans can also serve as union representatives, strengthening the bridge between leadership and laborers.

Collectively, this leadership structure creates a cohesive system where each tier plays a specific role in maintaining the guild's legacy, fostering innovation, and addressing the needs of the laborers. The balanced distribution of responsibilities ensures that Unyd's Forge thrives as a union, representative of both tradition and progress.

### Appointing a new council member

The process of appointing a new member to the esteemed Council of Elders within Unyd's Forge is a meticulous and highly respected tradition. When the need arises for a new Elder to join this revered council, it is a decision that is not taken lightly. Masters of the craft, known as Master Artisans, often emerge as prime candidates due to their exceptional skill, experience, and dedication to the guild. The Forge Master, as the guild's leader, holds a pivotal role in suggesting suitable candidates. Elders themselves may also propose artisans they believe are deserving of this esteemed honor. However, what truly underscores this process is the unanimous agreement among the current Elders and the Forge Master. Should any member of this collective leadership have reservations or objections, the potential Elder is not appointed. Additionally, the newly appointed Elder is typically of a venerable age, bringing both wisdom and a wealth of experience to the council, ensuring that the traditions and standards of Unyd's Forge continue to be upheld.

### Promoting a new master artisan

Master Artisans within Unyd's Forge are the epitome of craftsmanship, individuals who have honed their skills to an unparalleled degree. These skilled artisans often specialize in particular crafts, whether it be the creation of essential tools, finely wrought weaponry, practical utensils, or construction implements.

To attain the esteemed title of Master Artisan, an individual must have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their craft and the guild itself by working within the Forgehall for numerous years. Yet, the path to becoming a Master Artisan reaches its pinnacle during a rigorous challenge. Candidates are entrusted with a task that pushes the limits of their abilities, given a mere three days and nights to toil ceaselessly and craft a marvel within the forge's fiery embrace. The culmination of their tireless labor is then subjected to the discerning judgment of the Council of Elders. Only when this council unanimously agrees that the creation is indeed a marvel, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship, is the prestigious title of Master Artisan bestowed upon the deserving smith. In Unyd's Forge, the journey to mastery is a test of skill, dedication, and artistic innovation.

## History

*\* This section partially mirrors Unyd Zogg's page segment "Unyd's Forge".*

### Years of creation

In its earliest incarnation, during the arrival of the first exiles and Unyd's initial steps onto Fayers Cove, the forge was a modest affair. Little more than a makeshift smithy comprised of rough-hewn logs and salvaged materials, it stood as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the island's first inhabitants. Within these humble walls, these exiles forged their own simple tools and... destinies. Their sweat and toil created the foundation for what was to come.

### War for independence

As the islanders rallied together during the first blockade, the forge underwent a profound transformation. It evolved from a place of simple craftsmanship to a crucible of rebellion and ingenuity. The original forge became a hub of activity, teeming with laborers and blacksmiths who worked tirelessly to craft weapons, armor, and tools that would enable them to withstand the might of the Sultanate. It was during this turbulent time that Unyd Zogg emerged as a leader, his unwavering commitment to the forge and its cause elevating him to hero status. The forge's role extended beyond mere metalwork; it became a symbol of hope and defiance, a beacon for the islanders' unyielding spirit.

In his forge, Unyd worked tirelessly to repurpose nearly all available farming and mining equipment into formidable tools of war. Simple farm tools were transformed into deadly scythes, capable of slicing through the leather jackets worn by the Sultanate's forces. His forge was also instrumental in refitting scavenged armor to protect the frontline of the exiles, as well as smelting ammunition to replace the cannonballs used by the surviving cannons from the Blackhand's fleet. The forge itself has also become the base of operations, the hub of the leadership among all the parties involved, and the refuge to all those who needed it.

### Years of creation

The passing of years brought about the final stage in the forge's evolution, thanks to the dedication of Unyd's sons after his passing away. The small, makeshift structures gave way to a more permanent establishment, culminating in the construction of the renowned Forgehall. This sprawling structure stands as a testament to the guild's enduring legacy and a nod to the skilled artisans who had breathed life into the forge's fires. Within the Forgehall's walls, the traditions of excellence were upheld, and the union's guiding principles were etched into each hammer blow and anvil strike. The forge, now a fully-fledged institution, stands as a symbol of the island's resilience, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit that continues to shape its history.