40d:Anvil

Anvils are required to build a metalsmith's forge. They are a vital item if your fortress intends to do any metalworking whatsoever.

Since the only way to make an anvil is with a metalsmith's forge, your first anvil must be sourced from outside of your colony. Apart from that, anvils require three metal bars to be made. As this is an infinite loop, the origins of the first anvil are hard to discern.

One theory is that a dwarf struck by a strange mood made one of stone or bone. Another more radical theory put forward by dwarven Philosopher Sodel Tomemfikod is that the first one was made of wood in a similar manner. This was deemed a heresy and he was later sentenced to be hammered for being a elf sympathizer by a mad mayor who had a strange fondness for glass.

An anvil is included by default in starting equipment. If you choose not to bring an anvil, you are usually able to trade for one with the dwarven (autumn) and human caravan that often carry iron anvils at a cost of 1000☼, and steel anvils at a cost of 3000☼. If not, you may also request one from the dwarven liaison or human guild representative, if you are willing to pay an increased price to guarantee that at least one anvil arrives in the second year/third year. Note that it is presently useless to request the more-expensive steel anvil as there is no difference in productivity.

Acquiring an Anvil

You may bring an anvil with you on embark, at the cost of 1000 points. However, some players choose to forego this and instead spend the points for other purposes. An anvil will usually be available for purchase from the dwarven caravan in the first autumn, but it is not guaranteed. An anvil from a caravan will cost 1000 if made of iron, or 3000 if made of steel.

Anvil Properties

Anvils may be made of iron, steel or adamantine. (Dwarves in strange moods can make anvils out of any metal.) The material used does not seem to affect the performance of the forge. Neither does the anvil's quality, although anvils have a high base cost, so quality greatly increases their value. Smithing an anvil requires three bars of metal.

Anvils are considered furniture and will be stored in a furniture stockpile if not utilized in a forge.