Local Bard

Who do you call for aid if you're a farmer in a small town whose crops are failing? Who do you turn to when your middle-of-nowhere podunk village is afflicted by a strange disease? Why, your local bard, of course!

A true bard's services aren't limited to entertainment; they have magic skills that any small community that can't afford a wizard would want. Those that settle down and dedicate themselves to the welfare of a village will likely be set for life.

Career

Qualifications

Most bards need accreditation from organizations such as the Council of Nine in order for a town's government to recognize or trust them, but small, out-of-the-way villages may have more lax requirements for this position. Simply having been trained by the last guy is usually enough for the locals to trust in the new guy's abilities.

Career Progression

A local bard is usually first an apprentice to another established bard, but retired adventurers may also take up the position.

Other Benefits

Bards who offer their services to a town are usually paid by the town government itself, but individuals may be paid for healing or other buffs on a person-by-person basis. Besides that, town bards are usually well-respected, popular public figures. They are often invited to dinners, and they can easily find places to stay in their hometown if they need to.

Perception

Purpose

Local bards maintain the social health of their communities by keeping local legends and performing at major functions like festivals, and also sing spells to help the area prosper. Harvest songs that double crop yield are always welcome, as well as healing, warding, minor buffs, and the occasional fending off of a monster.

Social Status

This is a highly respected profession in small farming towns that can't afford a wizard. Although some abuse their position, they are the first people a town turns to in a time of need.

Operations

Tools

Bards often master many instruments in their time, but some need only their voice.

Type

Arcane

Demand

Usually one per village