Bards

The coming of a bard was a chance for celebration. Children working in the fields and pastures were oft the first to spot one as they walked up the road, with their instrument in hand. Perhaps they played a jaunty tune on a flute as they walked or sang one of the Great Songs with a strum of the harp to ensure they could always recite it perfectly. Often, the children would run and greet them, asking for children's songs or silly riddles. More would spot them as they approach, give a respectful greeting, and return to work, but talking excitedly with their neighbor. The bard would request lodging with the local chief, lord, or king, depending on who was responsible for extending hospitality to distinguished visitors. Word would spread from person to person until after dinner, the entire community would flock to where the bard was staying. Perhaps the local ruler would hold a small feast for the community or a large one if they are particularly wealthy or the bard particularly renowned. Long into the night, the bard would play songs and recite verses as requested. During the day, they might aid the local ruler in arbitrating disputes of the law and passing difficult judgments. Yet while they may serve as judges ranking above all but the High-King, they are most known and most loved for their gift with song and glamour. It is that which draws them to such a life.

Career

Qualifications

While many bards are Awenyddion, capable of understanding and using Awen and its Nature, it is not necessary for them to be able to do so, unlike their druidic brethren. Instead, they must have a mastery of their mind and talent for memorization. If they can use Awen, they develop and learn the ways of glamour, so that they might create illusions and wondrous conjurations. Unlike The Druids, bards are sent to bardic colleges to study as a young child, usually around nine years old, depending on the wealth of their parents and recognizable ability. Some are sponsored by a noble or another bard if their parents would not be able to afford to pay for their child to study there. Akin to the druid's eight years of training at one of the circles, the bards train for eight years of their own, although their training is focused elsewhere, with a primary focus being on their musical skills, laws and customs, and negotiation, with only some adding glamour into their repertoire.

Payment & Reimbursement

Bards are more on their own for payment than druids often are, as they do not use the Awen as the druids. Instead, it is up to the bard and their own skills to make a living. Many are itinerant bards, traveling between towns and market fairs to earn coin for food, lodging, and supplies to sustain themselves. Others strive to become patronized by a king or lord, serving as the court bard for the rest of their life. In that way, their needs are supplied by their patron, along with the gold and silver they receive as gifts. While the life is comfortable, it is more restrained in where they can go, when, and what they can accomplish. Many bards seek this out as they grow older or if they came from poor circumstances and seek stability. For those who teach at the bardic colleges, they are provided for by the payments of the students, as well as any patrons or gifts that they receive. For bards of high quality, they rarely have to pay for things themselves. Instead, hospitality is given to them wherever they stay, along with food, and supplies for their journeying.

Other Benefits

Only druids are more respected by society than bards. As such, they are treated with deference and a special protection of the law. None may draw a sword against them unless the bard has already drawn a blade in the conflict. To harm a bard in any way is anathema to the Laeonessai and carries a heavy penalty. They may not be hindered in their progress for any reason, except to claim their service as an expert in the law. Kings and lords, no matter how mighty or powerful, may not imprison a bard, have one lashed, or otherwise enact retribution against them for things the bards say or compose about them or about others.

White shields they carry in their hands, With emblems of pale silver; With glittering blue swords, With mighty stout horns. In well-devised battle array, Ahead of their fair chieftain They march amid blue spears, Pale-visaged, curly-headed bands. They scatter the battalions of the foe, They ravage every land they attack, Splendidly they march to combat, A swift, distinguished, avenging host! No wonder though their strength be great: Sons of queens and kings are one and all; On their heads are Beautiful golden-yellow manes. With smooth comely bodies, With bright blue-starred eyes, With pure crystal teeth, With thin red lips. Good they are at man-slaying, Melodious in the ale-house, Masterly at making songs, Skilled at playing chess.
— Hosts of the Fae, composed by an unknown bard during the Aelithi invasion

Famous in the Field

Other Associated professions