The ringing of hammer on steel echoes through the Keep long before travelers reach the doorway of The Kneeling Anvil.
A squat stone workshop sits beside the barracks courtyard, its heavy doors thrown open to release waves of heat and sparks. Inside, racks of blades and spearheads glint beneath the forge light while unfinished weapons rest along a wide oak workbench.
The smithy serves both the garrison of the Keep and the adventurers who pass through its gates. Weapons are repaired, armor is reforged, and sometimes—when the work demands it—steel is shaped into something truly remarkable.
A carved emblem above the forge depicts a hammer striking an anvil bowed in reverence, the mark of the shop’s name.
Proprietor: Kalista
The forge belongs to Kalista, a broad-shouldered dwarf whose arms bear the strength of decades spent working steel.
Her braided hair is streaked with soot, and a heavy leather apron hangs across her chest, marked by countless burns and hammer dents. Kalista speaks little while she works, but when she does her words carry the firm authority of someone who knows their craft better than most.
Though stern at first glance, she respects those who value good craftsmanship.
Weapons and Equipment
Kalista maintains a small but reliable inventory of standard weapons and armor suitable for the Keep’s defenders and visiting adventurers.
Most weapons here are practical and durable, designed for real combat rather than decoration.
If Kalista does not currently have a weapon in stock, she can forge one within a few days depending on demand.
Repairs and Maintenance
Kalista offers repair services for worn or damaged equipment.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sharpen weapon | 5 cp |
| Repair minor armor damage | 1 sp |
| Major repair work | Varies (typically 5 sp – 1 gp) |
Regular customers quickly learn that Kalista appreciates those who take care of their gear.
Rune Inscription
Kalista possesses the rare skill of inscribing magical runes onto weapons and armor, allowing adventurers to improve their equipment.
While she does not create the magic herself, she is trained in the precise smithing techniques required to bind runic enchantments into steel.
Weapon Runes
| Rune | Price |
|---|---|
| Potency Rune (+1) | 35 gp |
| Striking Rune | 65 gp |
| Weapon Property Rune (varies) | Typically 55+ gp |
Armor Runes
| Rune | Price |
|---|---|
| Potency Rune (+1) | 35 gp |
| Resilient Rune | 340 gp |
Rune work usually requires 1 day of careful labor.
Kalista insists that any weapon receiving a rune must first be properly balanced and prepared within her forge.
Custom Work
For special commissions, Kalista may agree to craft unique equipment.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom weapon forging | Standard item price |
| Special material request | Price varies |
| Rune-ready weapon preparation | 2 gp |
Such work often takes several days, particularly when Kalista is busy maintaining the Keep’s armory.
The Forge Floor
The interior of the smithy contains:
- A roaring stone forge
- A heavy dwarven anvil worn smooth by decades of hammer strikes
- Weapon racks lining the walls
- Tool chests filled with chisels, tongs, and engraving implements
Adventurers sometimes gather here while waiting for repairs, listening to the rhythmic clang of steel being shaped under Kalista’s practiced hands.
A Smith’s Philosophy
Kalista believes a weapon should serve its wielder faithfully for a lifetime.
“Any fool can swing a blade,” she says.
“But a warrior who understands their weapon—that’s someone worth forging steel for.”