Watersmithing

Watersmithing is the practice of using water and sometimes steam to forge metal items. The water is often enhanced and pressurized for it to be able to manipulate metal. This can be done through the use of a Surge Foundry but there are other types of tools and magic that could provide a similar result.

Water-based Workshop

Watersmithing can be used to create weapons and armor, but also intricate jewelry and sculptures but unlike traditional blacksmiths, who use fire and anvils to forge metal, hydrosmiths rely on the force and pressure of water and steam. However, the process of watersmithing begins quite similar to regular smithing with the selection of the appropriate metal for the desired object. Hydrosmiths must carefully consider the properties and characteristics of different metals as they can react differently to being forged with water compared to how they react when they are forged in fire. Once the metal has been chosen, the hydrosmith will prepare their workshop to create the item they plan on making. They set up their workshop to allow for the various flows of waters and steam that have to be directed at the object.
Watersmiths can use anything from watertowers or pumps to the pressure of natural water sources to get the water inside the workshop. However, the pipes, hoses and tanks the water flows through are typically enchanted in a way to infuse the water with magical energy and more force. The hydrosmith must carefully control the flow and pressure of the water or steam, as well as the magical energies of the water.
The water can be ejected through various types of spouts and nozzles, each with their own use and application to pound, shape, bend, cut or engrave the metal. Some hydrosmiths might use a single nozzle at a time, while others may use an array that of streams to blast an object with water from several angles at the same time. Master watersmiths have developed specialized equipment such as water-jet cutters, hydroforming presses and many enchanted implements and tools imbued with water-based magic.
To keep the water that is used slightly more contained, and prevent the workshop from flooding, the use of an anviltank is common in watersmithing. It is within this tank where metal is subjected to the force of water and can be shaped in its desired form. The metal or item is placed within the tank, which can be filled with water to keep the item submerged, or left empty to allow for the water that is used to be collected and sometimes piped back into the system of the workshop. The temperature and humidity of the workshop must also be carefully regulated to ensure that the metal is being treated properly.

Clean Finish

Once the metal has been shaped, the hydrosmith may then proceed to finish the object by grinding, polishing, and adding any decorative details. This can be done without the use of water, but most hydrosmiths prefer to do this by mixing fine sands or granules into the water to polish the metal. Decorating and engraving is done by using small specialized nozzles that eject a thin stream of highly pressurized water. Skilled artisans are able to create intricate designs in this manner and even enchantments through runic inscription.

Alternative Names
Aquatic Forging
Hydrosmithing
Related Professions
Hydrosmith
Related Locations
Surge Foundry