Has nobody told Stephanivien his outfit is an injury waiting to happen?

[DPZ2]

The reason blacksmiths are shirtless when they do their work is that their body sweat protects them from the sparks.

Blacksmiths protected their clothing from sparks by wearing leather aprons that look similar to the ones worn by modern blacksmiths. The apron also served another purpose, as no amount of body sweat will protect you from a metal splash.

Fantasy art may sometimes depict a blacksmith as shirtless, a sleeveless tunic under the leather apron was more likely.

You encounter Brithael with a sleeveless tunic that is designed with a Fantasy flair.