Skáld (ˈskɒːld)

Skálds' words take flight high, In verse, they paint worlds untold, Songs of ancient skies.

Created & Written by Khali A. Crawford

Career

Qualifications

A Skald-Candidate must only possess the ability to learn. Any College can turn the most curious street beggar into a well-learned Skald but even the greatest of Colleges could not turn a knob into even a mediocre Skald.

Career Progression

The start of the professional life of any skáld is the Selecting Phase, typically done with young children when they are examined by other skálds and selected to be an apprentice. The skáld-candidate will then formally attend the college their Master is a member of and receive supplementary education in addition to their private lessons from their Master. This completes the first stage of a skálds profession, the knowledge, and intelligence that is worth its weight in Hosar. But the first step this remains.

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After graduation, skálds are expected to wander the stars in humble rags, going wherever the cosmic winds take them and providing their intelligence when needed. They are not yet full skálds in their own right but are expected to temper their education with the harsh truths of reality, that is wisdom; intelligence tempered by experience. The skáld is not expected to pursue one goal or travel with any one being, so as not to spoil their view of the cosmos and handicap their ability with basis.

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When this journey is done, typically after a minimum of 10-15 standard Imperial Years, then a skáld is a Skáld. It is customary for them to return to their College to share their journeys and experiences with the College and other skálds, now seen as an equal. Colleges typically have standing contracts with Clans or Houses to provide skálds for the nobility and royalty, and the new skáld may be selected to fulfill this need.

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In this capacity, skálds are treated as sage advisors and wise councilors in all matters of state and politics as well as internal affairs and matters of the heart. They become members of their Liege Lords House or Kinsmen of a Clan, a part of the Household and an invaluable, and incredibly expensive, resource. Many a skáld can be found throughout the annals of history standing just to the left of the Head of Households or sitting next to the leader of a Clan. They are in the drawing room tutoring the young heirs of their Lord, educating them in matters of Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Arithmetic, Higher Reasoning, Science, and Technology. They sit on their Lord's small council and will always have his ear when the matter is pressing. They aid in matters of law and politics. They may be made to oversee the staff of a House or provide companionship to the lonely noble. But perhaps most importantly, a skáld collects and retells the exploits of their Lord in poems and sagas to preserve their legacy.

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While skálds can be trained in a certain way and manner, when in service to their Lord, they adapt to the Lord's needs and wishes, integrating into the culture and society so as to best serve. When their service comes to an end, they return to their College to compose their Memoir, the complete collection of their journey as a skáld in the cosmos from their time at the College to their service to their Lord. These memoirs are often serval volumes in length and contain chapters of their life, their own philosophy, historical accounts, and even logical theorms and spells. It is also during this time that a skáld takes on an apprentice of their own.

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Once they have trained a few skálds of their own, the skáld will retire to the Elder Council of the College, the executive body of the institution, a wellspring of knowledge and wisdom. That is the life of a skáld.

Payment & Reimbursement

A skáld is paid one of two ways primarily, 1) the noble House or Clan pays them directly for their services, or 2) if a skáld is from a recognized College, the Noble House / Clan purchases the right to employ the skáld from the College and all expenses incurred are covered by the House and/ or College. Sometimes, there is a mix of both where College skálds will also receive a flat pay from the House for their services. However, pay is not the primary motivator. If a noble House is wealthy and powerful, the House will not pay the skáld directly but they will want for nothing while in service to such a wealthy Lord. Additionally, skálds are given their own protection detail and the legal right to bear the coat of arms of their Lord. In the cosmos, sometimes the mere sight of a certain House's banners can end a conflict before it really begins. However, if a skáld is independent and is paid directly, they get more freedom to pick their salary and are free to leave their Lord whenever they want, but may be required to cover many of their own expenses.

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However, in most cases, it is safer to be with a College. While a skáld will not be paid directly, they are not only protected by their Lord but the College itself has an incentive to protect the skáld from vengeful Lords with their own internal order of Knights. This is because skálds take a lot of time to train and losing one is losing a lot of resources. Noble Houses or Clans pay good Hosar to employ a skáld, A normal skáld can cost around 225k Hosar for the initial purchase and around 80k Hosar a year for every year they are employed (side note, this yearly pay is called the Royalty Pay and in most Colleges, skálds will negotiate with their College to take home a piece of it, so Colleges only see about 60% of the Royalty Pay per year per skáld they train). With this much Hosar, even to a wealthy House, they will want to make sure they don't damage the product as Colleges also charge a Penalty Fee for wounding or otherwise injuring a skáld intentionally which universally starts off at 2 million Hosar, 8 million if the skáld is killed directly by the noble House or Clan.

Other Benefits

• Noble Accommodations: Skálds typically enjoy comfortable living quarters within the noble households they serve, with access to well-furnished rooms, private spaces, and amenities.
• Fine Dining: Skálds are often treated to lavish meals and exquisite cuisine, as noble households take pride in offering their skálds the best in gastronomy.
• Access to Resources: They have access to resources, including advanced technology, libraries, and laboratories, which can aid in their scholarly pursuits and personal interests.
• Cultural Immersion: Skálds get to immerse themselves in various cultures, learning languages, traditions, and customs as they serve different noble Houses, enriching their own knowledge and experiences.
• Personal Assistants: Skálds may have personal assistants or attendants to take care of their day-to-day needs, allowing them to focus on their intellectual and creative endeavors.
• Protection and Security: Noble households provide security personnel to protect skálds from physical threats, ensuring their safety during dangerous missions or conflicts.
• Travel Opportunities: Skálds have the privilege of traveling to distant and exotic locations, exploring new worlds, and witnessing unique phenomena as they accompany their Lords on interstellar journeys.
• Access to Rare Materials: They can access rare and valuable materials, artifacts, and historical records that may be essential for their scholarly work or personal collections.
• Fine Arts and Entertainment: Skálds often have the opportunity to attend cultural events, performances, and art exhibitions, contributing to their cultural enrichment.
• Social Status: Skálds hold a respected and honored position in society, enjoying the prestige and recognition that come with being advisors to nobility and royalty.
• Influence and Networking: Skálds have the chance to build influential networks within noble circles, gaining connections that can prove beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
• Apprentices and Legacy: As skálds take on apprentices, they pass on their knowledge and legacy, leaving a lasting impact on future generations and their College.
• Recognition of Achievements: Their accomplishments and contributions are often recognized and celebrated within the noble household, adding to their sense of achievement.
• Material Rewards: In addition to their stipend, skálds may receive valuable gifts and rewards from their benefactors for their loyal service and dedication.
• Intellectual Fulfillment: The opportunity to engage in philosophical, intellectual, and creative pursuits provides skálds with a deep sense of personal and intellectual fulfillment.

Perception

Social Status

In society, skálds are seen as sage masters of science and politics, advisors to their lords, and councilors to kings. They are a symbol of wealth and legitimacy for Houses and Clans. They are expensive to employ but the presence of one lends proof to the lordliness of a Lord, it completes the image of a House and adds to the projection of not only power but the presence of wisdom. They are revered in society, almost as much as religious figures, which is fitting as many are religious figures themselves.

Operations

Workplace

In the world of skálds, their workplace is a multifaceted domain where knowledge, culture, and practicality converge. Within most noble Households, skálds are afforded a dedicated wing or apartment that serves as both their living quarters and the center of their professional activities. This unique space is meticulously designed to cater to their diverse needs and responsibilities.

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Within these designated wings or campus-like areas, skálds establish a realm of intellectual pursuit and creativity. Laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology facilitate their scientific investigations and experimentation. These laboratories are where skálds delve into a wide range of disciplines, from advanced reasoning and scientific inquiries to the study of flora and fauna from various planets and realms. It is here that they push the boundaries of knowledge and seek to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.

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The presence of extensive libraries underscores the importance of literature and research in a skáld's life. These libraries house an impressive collection of texts, historical records, and academic works. They serve as a boundless source of information and inspiration, enabling skálds to delve deep into the annals of history and acquire a profound understanding of diverse subjects.

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Moreover, skálds often establish small colleges within their wing, where they provide education to the heirs not only of their Liege Lord but also to the progeny of lesser noble Houses. Here, they impart their wisdom, philosophy, and a wide array of subjects ranging from literature to science. These colleges serve as hubs of learning, nurturing the intellectual growth of the noble youth under their tutelage.

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For practicality and security, weapons vaults are incorporated into their workplace, housing both traditional and advanced weaponry. Skálds, while primarily scholars and advisors, must be prepared for unforeseen dangers, and these vaults ensure their readiness to protect themselves and their noble Households when necessary.

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In addition to these academic and practical spaces, skálds personalize their domains to create an environment that truly reflects their essence. They decorate their apartments with personal belongings and keepsakes, adding a touch of warmth and individuality to their living quarters. These spaces not only serve as a place of respite but also as a testament to their personal journeys and the experiences they have gathered while wandering the stars.

Provided Services

1. Educational Services: Skálds can provide comprehensive education in various subjects, including Philosophy, Literature, Poetry, History, Arithmetic, Higher Reasoning, Science, and Technology. They can tutor noble heirs and other individuals in these areas.
2. Counseling and Advice: Skálds can serve as wise counselors and advisors to nobility and royalty, offering guidance in matters of state, politics, internal affairs, and personal matters.
3. Preservation of Legacy: Skálds are responsible for collecting and retelling the exploits of their Lord or Liege in poems and sagas. This helps preserve the legacy of their benefactors for future generations.
4. Legal and Political Assistance: Skálds can assist in matters of law and politics, helping to draft and interpret laws, and participating in the decision-making processes of noble households.
5. Cultural Integration: When in service to a Lord or Liege, skálds adapt to the culture and society of their benefactor, ensuring they can best serve the needs and wishes of their host.
6. Household Management: Skálds may oversee the staff of a House or provide companionship to lonely nobles, ensuring the smooth functioning of the household and addressing the emotional needs of their patrons.
7. Historical Documentation: Skálds can document historical events and accounts during their journeys through the cosmos, contributing to the historical records of their College and society.
8. Intellectual Contributions: Skálds may produce logical theorems and spells, adding to the intellectual and magical knowledge of their world.
9. Memoir Writing: Skálds compose memoirs that contain chapters of their life, their personal philosophy, historical accounts, and other insights. These memoirs contribute to the body of knowledge in their society.
10. Apprenticeship and Mentorship: Skálds take on apprentices of their own, passing down their knowledge and skills to the next generation.
11. Elder Council Participation: In their later years, skálds may serve on the Elder Council of the College, becoming a wellspring of knowledge and wisdom for the institution and its students.
12. Serving as a Cultural Ambassador: Skálds who have traveled extensively can serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting understanding and cooperation between different clans, houses, or societies.
13. Entertainment and Celebration: Skálds can provide entertainment through their poetry, songs, and storytelling during special occasions and celebrations.
14. Conflict Resolution: Skálds may use their wisdom and communication skills to mediate and resolve conflicts within noble households or between different factions.
15. Spiritual Guidance: Some skálds might also provide spiritual guidance or rituals, depending on the cultural and religious practices of their society.

Dangers & Hazards

• Intellectual Isolation: Spending years wandering the cosmos and serving individual lords may lead to intellectual isolation. Skálds might become disconnected from the evolving academic and philosophical discourse of their home College.
• Confirmation Bias: Skálds might become too entrenched in the beliefs and values of their Liege Lords or Clans, leading to confirmation bias and an inability to provide impartial advice.
• Cultural Relativism: Adapting to various cultures can lead to a sense of cultural relativism, where skálds might struggle to uphold universal ethical principles or values.
• Influence of Patron: Skálds' views and teachings could be influenced heavily by the preferences and biases of their Liege Lords, potentially compromising their independence and objectivity.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Skálds might face ethical dilemmas when they are asked to support or document actions that they personally find morally objectionable
• Legacy Manipulation: Skálds tasked with preserving the legacy of their patrons may be tempted to manipulate or exaggerate historical accounts to enhance the reputation of their benefactors.
• Burnout: The demands of constantly traveling and serving multiple households over many years may lead to burnout, affecting the quality of their services.
• Loss of Personal Identity: The adaptation to different cultures and constant service may blur the line between the skáld's personal identity and their role as a counselor or advisor.
• Conflict of Interest: Skálds may find themselves in situations where their personal interests or loyalties conflict with their duty to provide impartial advice.
• Dependence on Patrons: Skálds may become financially and socially dependent on their Liege Lords, potentially compromising their ability to speak truth to power.
• Academic Stagnation: A focus on practical wisdom and service might lead skálds to neglect the pursuit of academic knowledge and innovation, causing stagnation in their field.
• Loss of Critical Thinking: Long periods of service may diminish a skáld's ability to think critically or question the actions and decisions of their benefactors.
• Loss of Perspective: Skálds might become so closely tied to their patrons' interests that they lose perspective on the broader needs and concerns of society.
• Resentment and Discontent: Over time, skálds may develop feelings of resentment or discontent if they perceive that their contributions are not adequately appreciated or rewarded.
• Complacency: A sense of security and belonging within a noble household might lead skálds to become complacent in their roles, neglecting their responsibilities as educators and advisors.
• Security Threats: High-ranking noble households may have enemies or rivals who pose physical threats. Skálds could be caught in the crossfire or targeted for their association with their Lords.
• Psychological Stress: The stress of serving in high-stakes, politically charged environments can lead to physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and digestive issues.

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Alternative Names

Poet | Bard

Demand

High and Constant