Bard

Bard is a Class available to players during Character Creation. A Bard is a potent spellcaster who primarily focuses on supporting their allies in Combat, but is versatile enough to fill almost any role if needed (see https://www.dndwiki.io/classes/bard). This Class is best-suited to Races with a charming disposition and affinity for magic, such as Human, Aasimar, Half-Elf, or Tiefling. There are two Bard Archetypes: College of Lore and College of Valor.

Perception

Purpose

Bards are more than simple musicians, they are talented mages who use their craft to manipulate the hearts and minds of others. A Bard must train for years to master such techniques, either attending a specialized college or studying at the feet of an established maestro. The anticipated reward for such perseverance is patronage from the wealthy and powerful, who employ Bards as ambassadors, spies, and status symbols.

Social Status

A Bard's social standing can vary greatly, depending on their talent, education, and social connections. The truly great can enjoy fantastic wealth and influence as part of a monarch's court or the favorite of a powerful aristocrat. Most, however, remain mired in mediocrity, unable to secure a regular patron and perpetually on the verge of poverty. Some Bards avoid this fate by turning to the military, using their abilities to boost morale and relay orders in return for a steady income.

Demographics

Bards are common in the Old World's more "civilized" Nations, where the nobility use them to impress guests, spread gossip, and collect blackmail material. Their profession's itinerant nature means they are present almost everywhere, but they are most numerous in Alderac, Hellada, Montaigne, Vodacce, and Sihalis. Also of note are the "skalds" of Mennavjar and Vestenjar, whose music inspires battle fury in their fellow warriors.

History

Bards have existed since at least the Age of Building and are known to have operated in both the Latian Empire and the ancient Elven Nation of Syrneth. Bardic traditions fell into decline during the Age of Reckoning, except in Thule, where various tribes began to produce skalds of great renown. In the modern era, Bards have enjoyed a renaissance, as increased wealth and stability in many parts of the world has allowed for greater patronage of the arts.