The Bards
The Bards Guild tends to encourage its members to adopt good and fair-minded alignment. The Bards though retain an enigmatic and ambiguous aura which is reflected in their diverse and seldom mastered skills.
Introduction |
First Guildmaster's words |
Current Guildmaster's words
Professional skills |
Location
See prominent guildmembers.
Founded on the 18th of Cloudburst 820 by Malwen,
the Bards are located in Eastern Mercinae.
They have the profession of Bard and the guild alignment is Good.
The guild patron is Cornelius, the god of magic.
|
Introduction:
|
| |
The Minstrel or Bard is an enigmatic character, skilled in the arts of songs, story-telling, dramatics and music. Bards are powerful public speakers, and have the ability to move an audience to action with the power of their word. With their instruments, they are able to weave songs of great potency and enchantments of lasting moment.
The modern era of the Bards Guild was founded in the late seventh century by Malwen the Songmistress. Her traditions of a benevolent guild have been carried ever since by the members of this illustrious and proud fellowship. The Bards Guild make their home on the east bank of the city of Mercinae in a large complex near the Cathedral. They maintain close ties with the city council and often come to the aid of the citizens of Mercinae in times of need. During peace-time the Bards travel the land giving aid and succour to the needy, spreading their ideals of harmony and altruism.
|
|
Words of Malwen, first guildmaster:
|
| |
The Bards are a tricky profession, few master their wily skill set. Mastery requires cunning and experimentation rather than diligent preparation and simple method as in most professions. Timing is all-important but the rewards for competence are great, the bardic skills are second to none.
|
|
Camaris, current guildmaster
says the following about the guild:
|
| |
Historically , bards are residents of the City of Light, although sceptics may point out various points in history where deviant bards have taken the abilities abroad. The constant thread throughout the ages has been the intolerance of citizenship to such places as ill-befit a bard, towns where benevolence is sneered, peace and harmony suppressed, compassion despised. Such a Towne would not value the altruistic tendencies of a bard, nor should benefit from the power held within their Gift.
The current guild master - Camaris, has broken with tradition and decreed that the opportunities afforded this most potent of professions, should be open to all. But there are strings attached, read on.
The Bards are currently recruiting without reference to an individuals home town, but with the ultimate aim of enlightening recruits to a point where they will choose to habit the hallowed walls of Mercinae. To this end Thakrian bards will never progress past apprenticeship, whilst Parriun, Springdalian and city less Bards will find progression through the ranks extremely slow. Unlike other guilds there is no automatic ending of apprenticeships.
To make a success of yourself as a wordsmith, you will necessarily be blessed with intelligence and wisdom. On these qualities will hang your very life, physical strength plays little part in the makeup of the Poet.
The first years of a bard are notoriously difficult. The magics within the artistic realms are weak and ineffectual at early stages. Professional excellence requires industrious practice, thoughtful contemplation and the patience to wait for your investment to bear fruit. Some will endeavour for a lifetime, but never attain mastery of the complexity of their art. For these reasons the bards guild is not a natural starting place for the newly born, unless of course they possess enormous natural talent.
Currently the guild is honoured with the patronage of Cornelius, God of Magic.
Upon acceptance to the guild, bards are required to adhere to few rules. Free spirits, individual thinking and lively debate are encouraged. The only obligatory regulations are as follows.
1. Bards may not debate, experiment with or otherwise divulge information about their abilities with those outside of the guild.
2. Bards do not engage other bards in combat, other than in exceptional and extraordinary circumstances (eg the gemquests) or by prior mutual consent. Punishment for breaching this rule is severe.
3. Any bard teaching the professional skills of voice, songs, dramatics or music, to a non guild member faces instant dismissal from the guild.
|
|
Guild specialist skills
|
| |
|
Skill
|
Brief Description
|
| Songs |
Lore of the ancient and mighty enchantments of songs of power and magical oration.
| | Dramatics |
Performing great dramatics to conjur both harmful and helpful effects.
| | Music |
Using musical instruments to conjur enchantments and bring forth magical melodies.
| | Voice |
Mastery of the voice of command to take direct control over others by will and vocal projection alone.
| |
|
|
|
|
Location:
|
| |
From the East of Cassiandora Square head east onto Bridge Street and follow it eastward to the end, where it joins the covered footbridge which spans the river Leithe. Cross the bridge, still heading east, and then immediately on the other side turn southeast onto the East Road (you are now on Mercinae's eastern bank). Head southeast and south until you reach the road to the playhouse, then strike east a way until you arrive the front door of the Bards Guild.
|
Back to Cities and Guilds |
