The Order of the Firebenders
The Order of the Firebenders is the pathway for our artisans. Art includes many forms and is not always “pretty”. Art includes things that are practical, such as repairing armor for example, as well as beautiful.
We call our Collegium of Art, the Agora. The Greek Agora was a central place in which people met to discuss politics, hold functions, display art, merchant, hear the words of the Crown, and train for military duty. We do separate out the marshal activities from art but include the building of items for such activities (example: bows, armor, and other such crafts).
To become a Master (Maistress) of the Arts is an achievement based on several factors (one does not have to meet all standards).
- Utility of the work (things useful within the “game” or Medieval life. Not everything useful was pretty and not everything pretty was useful.)
- Aesthetics of the work.
- Mastery of the skill in one’s particular discipline (woodwork, cooking, sewing, metalwork, bardic, etc.)
- Reasonable knowledge of historical use of the work and how it was created in olden times. However, we do not require documentation for competitions although it may be helpful.
- The use of primitive tools instead of modern tools to the extent one is capable. (Some items are hard to come by, or we have learned they are toxic, such as using ground malachite for green paint.)
- The ability and willingness to teach others what you know or assist them in researching how to do their art project. Being a resource for other artisans.
- As with knighthood, the measure of the person’s character is also considered.
The path to mastery is a path of discipline and continuous learning and/or growing your skills. We do not look for perfection in the art.
Master Artisans may take unto themselves apprentices of any discipline to mentor, teach, and encourage. They may conduct classes at practices or events. They should strive to promote the arts to new members and engage them in learning new skills.
We encourage our artisans to proudly display their works on our social media sites and at gatherings, enter competition, and to know that our kingdom is made beautiful by the works you create.
Baronies and Duchies may also give awards for the arts. Duchies may make Masters (Maistresses) of the arts as well at the Duchy level.
While this article is a summary explanation of the path of the Firebender, the full rules are available in the Kingdom of Solara Book of Law and any variance defaults to the Book of Law.