Power of Melody

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Power of Melody is ability to manipulate tone and rhythm in a way that subconsciously causes an effect on the listener.

Melody Terminology

Term	Meaning
meledere	n. someone who possesses Power of Melody The meledere used her musical abilities to influence the audience.
Serenade	v. to use Power of Melody By Serenading the audience, she was able to quell their anger. n. a song, set, or other period of time when Power of Melody is used Everyone was left speechless by her Serenade.
melodic	adj. used to describe a musician who possesses Power of Melody There was a melodic flautist in the orchestra.
cantanere	n. someone who practices vocal Melody The cantanere's voice filled the troops with determination.
organere	n. someone who practices instrumental melody The organeres walked by carrying their instrument cases.
tymphanere	n. someone who practices percussive Melody By tapping on the desk, the tymphanere was able to hypnotize the entire classroom.

Disciplines

Vocal Melody

The most basic ability is Vocal Melody, which utilizes one's own voice or other mouth sounds such as whistling or clicking of the tongue. When employing vocal melody, the tone and rhythm of what is being sung is far more important than the words, as a Singer will not be able to cause someone to do something by words the way Persuasion does. It is important to note that just because someone focuses on vocal melody does not mean they are able to sing well, though they may be able to manipulate their tone in a way that convinces the listener they are. One can even manipulate the tone and cadence of one's normal speaking voice to elicit an effect.

Instrumental Melody

Instrumental Melody uses instruments of varying kinds to produce an effect. This can include any wind or string instrument, but also percussion instruments such xylophone or marimba. Practicing instrumental melody does not give one the instant ability to play an instrument, merely further manipulate the sound that comes out of it. Similarly, just because one can play an instrument well doesn't mean they can manipulate the sound energy effectively. Some spend years trying to find the instrument that is the right fit both in the practical ability to play and the proper understanding of how to manipulate the sound produced.

Percussive Melody

Percussive Melody is a discipline that focuses solely on rhythm, with tone being an after thought. While percussion instruments may be used to this end, just about any object can be used instead, such as fingers tapping on a desk. Those who are particularly dedicated this form of Melody consider themselves the most disciplined in their craft because they can achieve similar effects to Musicians while only depending on one aspect of Melody.

Melody in Practice

Untargeted Audience

Melody does not require a target. It will affect anyone who hears a Serenade with the exception of a true null.

Soloists vs Groups

As a listener, the experience of listening to a solo meledere is different than listening to a group of melederes. For example, a solo cantanere can only influence an audience in a single way, but in a cantanere choir there are multiple voice, each able to influence in a different way.

Sound Transmitters

Power of Melody is not able to be transmitted through devices the way sound is. Hearing a Serenade through speakers will not cause the effect intended by the meledere. For this reason, meledere performances are done in small venues or those with natural acoustics.

Abilities Associated with Melody

Melederes have perfect pitch even if their singing voices aren't particularly pleasant to listen to. They also have a strong sense of rhythm, so some melederes actually end up studying dance instead of music. Depending on the type of dance, they may employ percussive Melody during performances.

A Danger to Others

Power of Melody is often categorized with Power of Persuasion and Power of Aura as posing a direct danger to others, but there has never been a call to restrict its use on a national level. There are, however, punishments for its misuse.