By Kumata Kurō Ie’naga

Do the words “Arts and Sciences” elicit the blood-chilling terror of having your labour of love examined down to the slightest millimetre by Laurels who have held their peerages for twice as long as you’ve been in the Society? Perhaps you have always wanted to learn a skill or pick up a new medieval hobby, but you’ve never been able to find someone to show you the ropes? Maybe you’ve only ever fought, and now you want to expand your repertoire of skills beyond “hit the other person with the thwacky end of the rattan?” If any of these apply to you, the Craftpersons’ Green at Midrealm Royal Encampment on Monday was the place to be!

As many as nine crafters at any given time were lined up by the camp fence along the Great Middle Highway just south of Low Road, showing off their techniques and sharing their skills with each other and with passersby.

First introduced just six months ago by Sir Gregoire de Lyons, Craftpersons’ Greens have been a popular addition to events throughout the Midrealm in 2022. “This is a low-barrier way to be introduced to the Arts and Sciences,” said Countess Serena Kimbalwyke, the organizer of the Green. “People just need permission to show off their skills. For this, you don’t need binders of documentation, just your art. People with projects they are working on can take this opportunity to show off their skills.”

Organized only three weeks ago, this year’s Green was far less publicized than next year’s will be, and Countess Serena hopes the concept will spread to the other kingdoms.