These skills are gained by those who choose the profession of the Minstrel. The associated guilds are the Bards Guild of Mercinae and the Minstrels Guild. The Minstrels gain the skill of music, the enchantment of songs, the art of dramatics and the power of the voice.
Music is shared with the Mages and the Seers professions, though it is only developed to any reasonable level by the Minstrel profession. It is your ability to play musical instruments, to develop a musical ear, and to evoke magical enchantments from spec ific instruments. As your music skill increases, you will develop greater competence at playing instruments as well as developing a more sensitive musical ear. The skill of Music is one of information gathering at its earlier ranks, and becomes a potent d efensive, and finally offensive, skill as you reach greater heights.
- chant equilibrium
You chant the litany of equilibrium.
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You open your eyes having established equilibrium.
- play flute magic
You blow into the flute, breathing carefully as you move your fingers over the stops to create a pretty tune. A flock of birds summoned by the music of your flute swoop down from above and lift you into the air.
Songs is a bardic skill developed only by those of the Minstrel profession. It is the art of weaving songs into enchantments, and bestowing the power of these enchantments onto your allies or your enemies. Using a song requires the minstrel to sing its wo rds and often requires the accompaniment of a musical instrument. Higher level songs require more than one member of the Minstrel profession to sing together to weave enchantments of even greater potency. Below is an example of a bard singing up a song of fear.
- play lyre
You stand tall and play the divine lyre. Music from the strings is accompanied by a chorus of angelic voices.
- sing jig
You start to play a merry jig.
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You open your eyes having established equilibrium.
- direct eshkadeth
You sing a brisk, bright song that sets Eshkadeth's toes tapping. The tempo increases, and as it reaches a crescendo, the spell of Fear is complete.
Dramatics is another skill developed only by those of the Minstrel profession. Dramatics is the ability to act and perform. Using the dramatic art, the minstrel is able to disguise himself, to feign injury and such like, in addition to being able to influ ence with the power of his voice. Higher level dramatic abilities involve influence through command and performance, even to the extent of giving experience to those lucky enough to be present whilst the oratory is being performed. Below is an example of a minstrel performing a dramatic.
- performhelp relaxation
Syntax: PERFORM RELAXATION, then pause for equilibrium, then ACT <target>.
Relaxation causes the target to drop some of the physical and magical defences they may have about themselves, such is their relaxed state.
- perform relaxation
You begin the soporific act of relaxation.
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You open your eyes, having established equilibrium.
- act conteck
Your movements become slow and deliberate as you capture Conteck's attention and induce artificial relaxation. You relax Conteck's extra-ordinary magical resistance.
Voice of command is a skill developed only by those of the Minstrel profession. It is one of the mightiest of natural abilities, and enables its wielder to project his voice and command those unable to defend to do his bidding. Thus it is a considerable p ower. Success of Voice is measured against the Scholarship skill of the person attempting to resist. One very skilled in Scholarship will be able to understand and diffuse the voice of command, and therefore will not be affected.
