EhsanC03

The forge

Age at landing: 28
From: Iranian, from Isfahan, a city of metalworkers
Before: Farrier and artist-blacksmith; grandson of a coppersmith in the old bazaar
Main skill: Forging, forge welding, hardening and tempering
Other skills: Boiler-making, tool handles, drumming and song
Personality: Warm and unhurried, with a deep laugh. Teaches by showing, not telling.
Strength: Patience and huge stamina. His voice ends arguments.
Flaw: Proud of hand work. Distrusts any machine that replaces skill.
Wants: Apprentices, so the craft outlives him.
Story arc: From guardian of the hand hammer to master of the steam hammer.
Dies: Year 45, aged 73. Of age. He leaves the trained smiths he wanted.
First partner: Grace, from month 1
Leads phases: 06 Iron and steel
Helps in phases: 05 Copper and bronze
10 Blast furnace, coal, cast iron and rolling
12 Precision and machine tools
13 Steam power
15 Railways, steam and electric cars, the power grid

Ehsan and Grace

The two eldest. Ehsan builds a dry shelter for the sick before he builds his own; Grace dresses his burns. Settled from the start, and the pair all the others measure themselves against.

His long days at the forge beside Nadia. Her fear of every risk he takes.