Forger
"You’ve been had, mate. I’d say no less than half of this clank is faked. Don’t worry, the Imperial Mint of Nuln sent me to sort you out. You can exchange them for these new coins and I’ll take the forgeries back with me."
- —Mariana d’Aubigny, Charlatan[2a]
Forgers are the artists of the criminal world, but theirs is a calling of imitation, not original creation. Forgers make their living by copying a work by another and passing it off as an original, whether it is a painting of an emperor, the seal on an “official” document, or a signature on an incriminating letter.[1a]
Forgers prefer to work in relative anonymity; not only is their work a crime often punished by mutilation, but revealing one of their creations as a fake spoils some of the triumph felt in a successful job.[1a]
Role[]
"At first I thought this was good konk, but on closer inspection it's what the manlings call Dom Luis' red gold, minted in Estalia and mostly copper. Worth a fraction of the price I paid for it. Kruts to the swine who passed it to me, and I ever lay my hands on them again there'll be a reckoning for the ages."
Forgers are craftsmen who use their skills to create fakes. Many view themselves as artists, not limited to any single form. Painting, sculpting, and calligraphy are all useful in selling deceptions. Most begin small, such as clipping coins to mint their own. From there, they move to impersonating the handwriting of a Marienburg merchant, or the seal of an Elector Count. It’s dangerous work, which can leave a paper trail, but accomplished Forgers walk a fine line to riches. With the right documents, the world is yours, allowing a skilled ‘artist’ to fill it with as many counterfeit paintings and knock-off sculptures as some rich fool is willing to pay for.[2a]
Forgers rarely work alone, often teaming up with criminals to disseminate their products. While they do not like to reveal themselves, they quickly take to the adventuring life —- especially if their work attracts attention.[2a] Forgers often focus upon only one type of counterfeiting, be that dodgy currency or fake paintings. However, some Forgers become masters of multiple trades, using their wide-ranging skills to create all manner of mimicries.[2b]
Counterfeit Coins[]
"Don’t try to get all the details perfect. If they’re looking that closely, you’re already caught. Just put in enough to fool them at a glance, then you’re halfway to payday."
- —Grigori Sholz, Counterfeiter[2a]
False coins supplement many an artisan’s income. Clipping real coins gathers the required metal, which can then be mixed with a cheaper base, or made into coins that are slightly thinner or smaller than the genuine article.[2b]
A Forger needs suitable metal and a coin mold for the specific currency they are trying to fake. The Forger also needs a quarter ounce of the base metal (gold/ silver/brass) per coin made. A new coin mold can be made if the forger puts in a day’s work, followed by another day of smithing to mint the coins, creating up to fifthy coins, but these are sometimes visibly flawed. A batch of silver shillings forged in Nuln in 2510 IC are notorious for displaying Countess Emmanuelle's head on both sides.[2b]
Merchants at markets refuse to take forged coins if they spot them, but they rarely raise a hue and cry about it. That bad money makes it into circulation is accepted as a reality of life. However, a repeat offender is soon reported.[2b]
Bogus Documents and Seals[]
Few places are barred to a person carrying the right piece of paper. Whether copying government seals or writing letters in someone else’s hand, Forgers skilled in such crafts are always in high demand from those who traffic in false identities or posing as an official. During recent turmoil in the Empire, thieves in Averland made off with a bronze statue of Marlene von Alptraum, claiming that Marius Leitdorf had commanded it to be seized for safekeeping. They were able to produce a writ as proof, apparently sealed by his own hand. The situation was not helped by the fact that the Count himself was unable to remember if he issued such orders or not.[2b]
To create a fake document or seal, a Forger must be familiar with the original which they attempt to copy. The complexity of the job determines how long it takes, with a week’s work being the default.[2b]
Forged Artwork[]
Whether paintings or jewellery, Forgers have long found profit in counterfeiting fine art. Their creations are often valuable on their own merit, but that’s not where the big money lies. A Forger only needs to persuade one rich noble they are now the proud owner of an original sculpture by the renowned Grottio to be set for life.[2b]
To create a counterfeit artistic piece, a Forger needs to study an original to learn the artist’s style. This may take time, depending on the rarity of the piece and how willing its owner is to admit visitors as they need time to study the original. Once they have successfully studied the piece, they can attempt to recreate it.[2b]