This hybrid discussion panel features ArchaeoPlays’ Dr Heather Christie FSAScot and Stout Stoat’s Brian Tyrell. The panel was facilitated by Society’s Head of Outreach, Dr Jeff Sanders FSAScot.

Carved in Stone is an illustrated guide to the Picts in late 7th century AD, serving as a source of inspiration for tabletop roleplaying games, storytellers, and anyone interested in Scotland’s past. It covers everything we know (and many things we don’t), touching on languages, kingdoms, faith, hierarchies, cuisine and more. In this panel event, the designer and lead researcher will explore the process, break down the elaborate illustrations, and discuss how they’ve approached bringing the past to life. Carved in Stone can be purchased from Stoat Stout Press.

Disclaimer: Not all text in this lecture is intended to be legible (e.g. in screenshots of pages). If the contents of a slide is relevant, it is read aloud.

Dr. Heather Christie FSAScot is the lead researcher for Carved in Stone. Outside of this project, they release educational content via the handle ArchaeoPlays on both Twitch and YouTube, where they predominantly teach archaeology through Minecraft. Their academic background combines material culture analysis, digital photography and 3D modelling, immersive museum experiences, and over 20 years of public outreach and education.

Brian Tyrrell is the director of the international awards-winning publisher Stout Stoat Press. Tyrrell combines years of experience in game design and interactive narratives, and infuses them with queer, disabled and accessibility focused perspectives. They are known for their comprehensive and compassionate approach to graphic design, art direction, and historical narratives.