15.6 The Guild of Bards.

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.

Back to section index