Bards

Music and magic combine in cultures across the world, and bards demonstrate the efficacy of that combination in numerous ways. Some are violent skalds roaring songs of might as they hurl spears alongside their fellows, while others are court dilettantes and spies who never let on that they possess magical abilities. One thing remains true, and that is that bards are incredibly versatile, and can be found throughout the world in any role imaginable.
Glamour bards are right at home in civilization, using their myriad talents to amuse, charm, or distract. Some colleges have strict rules about the use of charm magics, while others have no scruples; these latter schools tarnish the reputation of these bards, and while anyone of repute will keep such a bard among their retainers, none trust them. That bards of the Glamour College make a brisk trade selling rings to shield the mind is likely just coincidence.
Lore bards dedicate themselves to magic more than any other bardic discipline, and collect knowledge and stories as they travel the world. If there is an archetypal bard, this college is it; their universities are often prestigious, and in civilizations where music is highly regarded, these bards often command positions of great respect. Despite their bent toward learning, Lore bards often find rivals in wizards, who study arcane magic more thoroughly and find bardic magic not only frivolous but frustrating, as the most excruciatingly researched spells of wizard savants might tumble from a bard’s lips with seemingly little effort.
Swords bards differ from the college of Valor by focusing on dueling with blades; they are deadly foes, able to carve up any who underestimate them for being bards. The Goliath Scorpion clan of orcs in particular favors this option, as do many in hotter climates; the dashing blade wielder fighting for love or honor in a crowded city street is the romantic image most closely tied with these magic users.
Valor bards inspire their allies while standing shoulder to shoulder with the frontline fighters. More common in colder climes, Valor bards are not the duelists that their Sword brethren are, but are doughty fighters nonetheless. In many communities and tribes of the far north and south, these bards are the only magic users, and so must take on heavy responsibilities while still contributing to the tribe or community. They may be proficient in combat, but their spell selection often focuses on healing or divination, that they may better serve their people.
Whispers bards often hide their original college, and their universities are typically hidden. Though largely distrusted, Whispers bards make excellent spies, and savvy (if ruthless) rulers often take advantage of that when they can. Posing as Glamour bards does little good, as bards from the college of Whispers are more likely to be needed as assassins or extremely discreet bodyguards, something their more charming fellows don’t excel at.