A smithy is found in most villages, as iron tools, nails and horseshoes are always in use, and the making and repair of such requires much equipment and skill. In the smaller villages, they may also work as farmers on the side. In such cases most of the work at the forge is done in the winter.
Smithies are a typical meeting place, especially if the village lacks an alehouse. In winter it is often the warmest place in the village.
Blacksmiths tend to have a small shrine to Hephaestus (Nin-Agal). Their constant exposure to, and command of, enables them to resist and counteract magic and evil spells, and they are sought and respected for this ability as well as their more mundane talents. Good blacksmiths can nail up horseshoes as a potent ward against ill luck, elves and sorcery.
Active blacksmiths are invariably strong - the work they do is strenuous. Your stereotypical blacksmith is also bad-tempered. His work at the forge can also take a toll on his body - especially on his ears, which may be dulled by the constant din.
The blacksmith tends to be better off than his neighbours.