[Xietor]

The Forge allows not only constr 8 artifacts at a huge discount, but bloodstones, clams, and items for your thugs.

And with the forge and a dwarven hammer, you get a 75 percent discount on your robe magi, etc. It is not on the same level as Burden of Time or Arcane Nexus, but in the games I have played casting the Forge brought about immediate attacks-and many consider the casting of the Forge
to break existing naps as well.

The casting of Arcane Nexus, Burden of Time, Utterdark, Wrath of Gods all definitely break existing naps, and if cast, the player can expect attacks from every side the very next turn-nap or not.

In my other mp game, Epic Heroes II, Atlantis cast the Forge. Marignon and I who were at war and bitter enemies made peace the very same turn and both attacked Atlantis the next turn. And other Nations joined the attack as well.

So the Forge is not a global to cast lightly. If you tell a strong neighbor in advance you are casting it, and promise to make him stuff, you may gain an ally that will help fight with you as he directly benefits from the Forge as well.