The Bards

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 from Malwen, the 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.

Words from Chronos, the current guildmaster

Listen.

The many-varied tunes of the Divine Lyre drift lovingly over Mercinae, each carefully studied Song entertaining, protecting, caressing. All instruments are heard within the Lyre, all power bestowed upon the singer. When a choir of Bards raises their voices, all will turn to listen.

Watch.

Gathered within the Cathedral are Bards at their most joyful work. Dramatics hold their audience enraptured, breathless. Each flowing movement is followed intently by all eyes, yet each flickering smile of the Bard shows amusement for something the mere audience could never know.

Become.

At the entrance of the Guild, doors fly open, welcoming. Songs burst to fill the quiet air, Voices of command bellow in practice. All mixing to form a beautiful whole.

Our guild is one of unity. As each note must be in harmony with another, each Bard will need to add his strength to the whole.

As one of the most difficult professions, certain qualities are demanded of Bards. Confidence, in yourself and in the guild. A measure of strength comes with confidence, strength that will aid each Bard in walking their chosen path. Cleverness, to use all skills at their utmost potential, and to always learn even better ways. Beyond these could be listed, courage, diligence, intelligence, and more. Each individual is unique. All are welcome to try their hands at pulling the strings of Avalon.

Whether of the Bards or not, be warned. Only a very few master the skills complexity of our skills. These few have the world at their command.

Guild Specialist Skills

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.