Quote:
Originally Posted by Andanzas
If this is the beginning of a chapter, I would switch the order of the first two sentences:
I think in fiction you are better off starting with concrete and clear facts rather than with general, abstract ideas.
|
It is not the beginning of a chapter, It is moreso in the middle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pdurrant
Ummm.... And what has he been up to before 15-16? Apprenticeships usually started between 12-14, and as a blacksmith's son, he was probably helping out informally since he was 7 or 8.
The Book of Swords by Hank Reinhardt will probably give you lots of good details about swords, by someone who's actually made swords.
It's a fascinating book, full of interesting info about swords and sword making. |
I thought about picking that book up, but didn't think it would have anything to do with the process of actually making the swords.
As far as the age goes, Can we not leave this to the reader's imagination? I did not specify an age in my chapter to when he first started working with his father.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I have real issues with this:
A blacksmith (or a swordsmith) usually worked alone, or at most with an apprentice or journeyman: there were not "many specialists" involved in his work.
Also the phrase "but a simple blade as this could be done by one with dedication." makes no sense. Perhaps you meant "but a blade as simple as this", or "but a simple blade such as this"?
|
My intention was meant to be the latter of your comment.
And I will change that first sentence. Just wanted to elaborate on the fact that it would not be an easy job for him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kacir
One more thing ...
If the blacksmith wanted to make a sword really, really special - in magical sense of the word - he would use a bit of "fallen star" - meteorite iron as [a small] part of the material.
Sir Terry Pratchett (yes, that famous fantasy(*) author) has made himself a sword after he was knighted. Completely from scratch. He got help from a very knowledgeable friend and started by *personally* mining iron ore. He also obtained a little piece of iron meteorite and worked it onto steel, so his sword would acquire "magical properties".
You can look up his personal account.
Unfortunately, due to very weird British law about edged weapons he is not allowed to show us his DIY sword and he even has to deny the possession of such sword, otherwise he could be accused of breaking the law. Ain't that stupid? A person knighted by Queen isn't allowed to keep his ceremonial sword?
Now, this brings us to another question.
Is a mere non-noble-born villager allowed to own a sword in your world? I do not think so ;-)
(*) or whatever you wish to call his Discworld series.
michaelryannh, show us your reworked chapter after you change it using all the gathered info - just to make sure you have all details right ;-)
Some of us - yours truly included - have had to to exam[s] from metallurgy at university.
|
The sword is not made for him, He is a blacksmith making the sword for a traveler, who is obviously a noble man, *even though I did not state it*, The traveler has extravagant robes, and drops gold without even thinking about how much he is spending. Obviously, he would be allowed to carry a sword around. Nobody would question him. (Not to mention, the world is in a state of peril. The reason he needs the sword is the worry of 'bandits' on the highway he is about to travel on)