Khalib

Khalibs are renowned blacksmiths of the Daruband Isles. Items they forge on Daruband, blessed by the god Otmar, are forever sharp and durable. The only weapons they can't match are those created by the same or more skilled Khalibs.

Apprenticeship

Khalibs take promising youngsters as pupils, teaching them all the skills necessary to become acclaimed smiths. Apprentices travel across Ayonerra, learning various techniques from different kingdoms.
Neither race, gender nor social status matter to Otmar - Only their expertise, devotion and passion for the craft.

A Sacrifice

As the final step of the training, the apprentice ascends The Eye, a volcano believed to be Otmar himself. Upon reaching the peak, the smith removes their clothes, gouges out their right eye, throws it into the crater and strikes the anvil to call upon the god.

As the volcano engulfs the sacrifice, scolding lava splashes the apprentice’s body. If Otmar deems them worthy, the pain lasts only for a moment as the molten rock drips down, etching scars onto the skin. This marks the Khalib’s final burns, leaving their flesh forever unscathed by the touch of fire.

Materials and equipment

Khalibs forge weapons using cooled lava gathered from the Eye. The unalloyed stone is jet-black with a lustrous sheen. According to the client's wishes, Khalibs might add other materials, such as dharaat or natural metal.

Equipment is similar to those regular blacksmiths employ - hammer, tongs, anvil, forge, and bellows. The Khalib personally makes each tool.
Casting tools, like crucibles, moulds, and ladles are commonly used. So are clamps, chisels, drills, bits, metal shears, various types of stamps, punches, cutters, files, soldering irons, and drawplates.

Many wear goggles for eye protection and a magnifying glass for precise work.

Price

Khalib weapons don't come cheap. One must be a notable merchant or a noble to afford their crafts. Before forging, Khalibs observe the customer's techniques and ensure the items perfectly fit their owner. All attempts by various kingdoms to monopolise the Khalibs' services have failed. The prideful smiths swiftly blacklist arrogant clients, while sky-high forts and looming canons deter any invader.

Legendary Khalibs

The Forging Bank, one of the Wonders of Ayonerra, stands proudly at the base of the Eye. It serves as a forge for the most renowned Khalib of a given generation. Isaac currently holds the title, after creating Khelmtiphe Malkisaidek's highly controversial golden armour.

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