Bard
Whether scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a bard weaves magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds, create illusions, and even heal wounds. The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain.
The bard's power comes from song and poetry. It is generally considered a form of arcane magic, but many bardic abilities blur this distinction, such as the ability to cast spells which heal. A bard's magic, like their music, comes from the heart.
A bardic tale says that the multiverse began with the Words of Creation, and by the speech of the gods was given form. Bardic music is said to be an attempt to harness mere echoes of these primordial words. Bards believe the cosmos is a work of art - the creation of the first dragons and gods. That creative work included harmonies that continue to resound through existence today, a power known as the Song of Creation. The bards of the College of Creation draw on that primaeval song through dance, music, and poetry, and their teachers share this lesson: "Before the sun and the moon, there was the Song, and its music awoke the first dawn. Its melodies so delighted the stones and trees that some of them gained a voice of their own. And now they sing too. Learn the Song, students, and you too can teach the mountains to sing and dance."
Bards tend to wear light armour such as leather and carry one-handed weapons such as the longsword or rapier. They frequently carry musical instruments which serve as the tools of their trade.
Some bards are highly competitive with other bards, highly territorial and constantly jockeying for the favour of local rich and powerful nobles. Not all bards are good-aligned, nor is any one bard necessarily loyal to another.
A bard is a free spirit and is rarely lawful in alignment.
Bardic colleges
A bard typically apprentices under another bard until they are ready to begin their own journey. Bards often collaborate to form informal colleges to share information and techniques.Adventurers
Bards are natural adventurers, seeking out new stories to learn, lore to discover, and wealthy patrons to impress. Bards traditionally follow heroes into battle in order to chronicle their deeds. Adventuring into danger not only makes for great stories, it frequently offers ways to learn new secrets and acquire wealth, as well as giving the bard opportunity to practice their abilities. A bard's natural charisma and magical charm make them excellent diplomats, and adventuring parties often welcome bards when the situation warrants negotiation, haggling, or deception. A bard is a jack-of-all-trades and contributes something useful to any adventuring group, though he lacks the direct strength of a dedicated warrior or spellcaster.
Type
Entertainment
Famous in the Field
Other Associated professions
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