• Location: Industrial Ring, Firetown
• Address: SE Industrial Ring Road 4
• Surroundings: Adjacent to Santoro Forge, located in Firetown's “Forge Quarter”

Ortega Smithy, founded in 2628 by Sofia Ortega, was the smallest and most pragmatic of the “Forge Quarter” workshops. Unlike the larger forges that specialized in weapons or ceremonial copperworks, Ortega’s focus was on hoof care for Hoos — the hardy beasts of burden relied upon for transport across the Ralar Region. – and mounts like Veyras.

Beyond shoeing Hoos and riding animals, Ortega also produced simple utility items for travelers and couriers, ensuring her forge remained indispensable despite its modest size.

• Construction Material: Volcanic stone base, wooden roof reinforced with copper sheets.
• Gates & Shutters: Wide gate to allow Hoos to enter for shoeing.
• Windows: Small slits for smoke ventilation.
• Power Source: Smaller lava furnace, sufficient for horseshoes and hand tools.
• Lighting: Oil lamps and torchlight.
• Water Supply: Barrel-fed cistern.

• Forge Hearth (1): Small-scale lava furnace.
• Anvil (1): Central working station.
• Hoo-Stall Corner: Space designed for holding Hoos during shoeing.
• Tool Rack: Utility gear such as hooks, buckles, and hinges.
• Rest Nook: Simple wooden bench and clay mugs.

• Master Blacksmith: Sofia Ortega, specialist in hoo shoeing and utility goods.
• Journeyman (1): Assisted with shoeing and minor forge work.
• Apprentices (2): Trained in basic smithing and handling Hoos.
• Stablehand (1): Helped secure animals and provided water.

The Ortega Smithy has the earthy smell of Hoos and hot iron. The forge is less imposing than its neighbors, but always busy with couriers and settlers waiting while their animals are re-shod. Sofia Ortega is practical, brisk, and famously patient with nervous Hoos — though less so with impatient owners. The atmosphere is communal, with couriers often exchanging road gossip while their beasts are tended.

• Operating Hours: 07:00 – 15:00.
• Courier Connection: Close ties to the Firetown Courier Station, ensuring steady demand.
• Client Rhythm: Couriers, traders, and caravan leaders relied on Ortega’s smithy before long journeys.

• Commission Hoo shoes or minor gear repairs.
• Acquire travel essentials before setting out into the Ralar Region.
• Apply for a job.

• Smuggle contraband hidden in hollow hoo shoes.
• Pay off an apprentice to alter load-bearing gear for sabotage.

The forges of Firetown present excellent opportunities for intrigue, as their close clustering in the Industrial Ring made them both competitive rivals and vulnerable targets for outside influence.

• The Cartel’s Grip – An anonymous client from Hope hires the party to investigate whether at least Vasquez Forge and Bernado Metalworks are cooperating with the Cartel. Rumors suggest the smiths are working under duress: some coerced by violent intimidation, others ensnared in predatory loans. The party’s task is to infiltrate the workshops and gather proof of Cartel activity. Evidence may include the uncovering of falsified ledgers showing repayments to the Cartel through copper goods or the production of contraband items. Dungeon Masters can heighten tension by introducing rival apprentices who suspect foul play, Cartel enforcers watching the workshops, or hidden storerooms concealing illicit goods. The party must decide whether to return the evidence to their employer, hand it to the authorities, or cut their own deal with the Cartel …

• Beta Age
• Ralar Region
• Firetown
• (Federal) Copper Mine
• Firetown Copper Plant Inc.
• Federal Copper Plant (successor, Gamma Age)
• Hoos
• Veyras

The Forges of the Forge Quarter in Firetown:

• Vasquez Forge
• Bernado Metalworks
• Santoro Forge
• Ortega Smithy