The morning sun illuminated Miradol, and Karl Koch walked through the Black Hammer Workshop with a sharp eye. The first week had brought modest success, but he knew the workshop could not grow without skilled hands and wise guidance.
I cannot handle everything alone. I have knowledge from my world, but I lack the experience of decades in craftsmanship, Karl thought.
The workshop was alive with twenty anvils, each manned by two workers. Sparks flew from heated iron, and the air smelled of smoke and oil. Mistakes were appearing: uneven edges, inconsistent shaping, and small cracks. His urban knowledge from 2025 guided him on workflow and efficiency, but real-world execution demanded expertise.
Finding the Master Blacksmith
Karl spent days searching the city for a skilled blacksmith. Finally, he found Master Brandor, a veteran with decades of experience in agricultural tools.
Karl approached cautiously. "Master Brandor, I have a workshop and designs. I need your expertise to supervise forging and training my workers. Will you oversee production?"
Brandor's eyes narrowed. "Why should I trust a young man's plan? Techniques on paper mean nothing if execution is weak. Show me that your approach is solid and that your workers can follow it."
Karl demonstrated his urban knowledge: workflow rotations, task assignments, and careful management of labor to prevent fatigue and errors. He showed how each worker could specialize and rotate tasks to maximize efficiency.
Brandor challenged him, testing Karl with questions about quality control, problem-solving, and handling mistakes. Hours passed as Karl defended his approach.
Finally, Brandor nodded slowly. "You have thought this through, and your workers can learn. I will supervise all forging and ensure quality—but you stay away from the hammer. Let me handle production."
Karl felt relief. Exactly what I needed.
Recruiting a Skilled Trader
Next, Karl sought someone to manage sales and interactions with buyers. He approached Taron, a shrewd merchant known for negotiating with the council of Miradol.
"I need someone to manage trade, pricing, and distribution," Karl said. "I will handle planning and expansion. You manage the business."
Taron laughed softly. "And why should I trust you with my reputation? I do not work with amateurs."
Karl explained his workflow: workers, rotations, quality control, and projected output. He emphasized precision and efficiency, derived entirely from his urban knowledge from 2025.
Taron tested Karl with practical scenarios: a shipment delay, customer complaints, and guild regulations. Karl responded with calm, logical solutions, proving he could handle strategy and coordination.
After a long discussion, Taron finally agreed. "I will take responsibility for trade. But I will not tolerate mismanagement. This is a partnership, not a favor."
Karl extended his hand. "Agreed. Together, we will make this work."
Operations and Earnings
With Brandor supervising production and Taron handling trade, the workshop ran efficiently:
20 anvils × 2 workers each, all supervised. Rotating tasks maintained skill, reduced fatigue, and minimized mistakes. Production increased by 40% compared to the first week.
By the end of the week, the Black Hammer Workshop produced:
60 plows × 100 copper = 6000 copper = 60 silver = 0.6 gold100 hoes × 40 copper = 4000 copper = 40 silver = 0.4 gold150 sickles & rakes × 30 copper = 4500 copper = 45 silver = 0.45 gold
Total earnings: 1.45 gold
Karl carefully recorded each sale. The workflow and expertise ensured consistent quality and efficiency, all achieved without touching a hammer himself.
That night, Karl reflected on his decisions:
Knowledge alone is useless without skilled hands and trusted allies. Brandor handles production. Taron manages trade. I focus on strategy and growth. This is how the Black Hammer rises—through experience, skill, and careful planning.
Outside, Miradol slept, unaware that a new industrial and commercial force was quietly taking shape—a workshop built on knowledge, discipline, and strategy.