Skáld (ˈskɒːld)

To speak as a Skáld is to command history, counsel kings, and weave fate into the tapestry of the cosmos.

Written & Created by Khali A. Crawford

A Skáld is more than a poet or historian; they are the revered sage advisors, scholars, and chroniclers of noble houses, governments, and influential institutions. Skálds are entrusted with the preservation of knowledge, the instruction of heirs, and the guidance of rulers. Their presence in a noble household is a mark of prestige and a declaration of intellectual supremacy.

Career

Qualifications

The foremost requirement to become a Skáld is the ability to speak, reason, and articulate ideas with precision. While raw intelligence is advantageous, it is not enough—potential candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for rhetoric, philosophy, and logic. Any College of Skálds can transform a bright but unrefined individual into a formidable scholar, yet even the greatest institutions cannot imbue wisdom into those who lack the foundation for critical thought.

Career Progression

The path of a Skáld follows a rigorous and structured progression, beginning with recruitment and culminating in a position of high influence.

Candidates are identified by Skáld College Recruitment Boards, often at a young age. Selection is based on aptitude tests, verbal skills, and an assessment of intellectual curiosity. Those chosen enter apprenticeship under a seasoned Skáld. Apprentices formally enroll in a Skáldic College, where they receive extensive education in:

• Philosophy, Literature, and Poetry
• History and Political Theory
• Advanced Arithmetic and Logic
• Sciences and Metaphysics
• Linguistics and Oratory Skills

In addition to classroom learning, apprentices undergo one-on-one mentorship with their Master Skáld, who tailors their training to their strengths. Upon graduation, Skálds serves a mandatory Residency as Junior Skálds under senior members in diplomatic, noble, or governmental service. They observe high-level decision-making, assist in political discourse, and refine their skills in negotiation and statecraft.

After proving their competence, Skálds enter full employment, often through their college’s standing contracts with noble houses, republics, and empires. In this role, they serve as:

• Personal Advisors to rulers and dignitaries
• Instructors to heirs and high-ranking officials
• Legal and Political Analysts for governance and policy-making
• Historians and Chroniclers preserving the legacies of their patrons

After their tenure, Skálds return to their College to compose their Memoir—a comprehensive account of their service, personal philosophies, and historical insights. These memoirs serve as both scholarly texts and magical treatises, often containing unique logical theorems and spells. At this stage, a Skáld takes on their apprentice, ensuring the cycle of knowledge continues.

Payment & Reimbursement

Skálds may operate under three main employment models:

• College Contract: A Skáld College forms a contract with a noble house or government to supply trained Skálds at a set fee. Under this model:
• The employing organization provides accommodations, sustenance, and other necessities.
• The Skáld receives 30% of the contract payment; the remainder is retained by the College for training and operational costs.
• Types of Colleges
• Skáldic Leagues: Networks of Skáld Colleges that compete for lucrative contracts.
• Specialized Colleges: Institutions sponsored by specific factions to cultivate tailored expertise.
• Independent Skálds: Some Skálds operate outside the College jurisdiction, negotiating their contracts. This provides greater financial freedom but also introduces risks:
• Independent Skálds can negotiate higher pay but must fund their expenses.
• They lack institutional protection, making them vulnerable to political dangers and conflict.
• Mixed Employment: A Skáld may serve independently while still maintaining ties to a College for access to resources and research opportunities.

Other Benefits

• Prestigious Living Quarters within noble estates.
• Fine Dining at the tables of aristocrats and leaders.
• Access to Libraries & Laboratories for continued study and innovation.
• Cultural Immersion in diverse societies, deepening their worldly knowledge.
• Personal Assistants to handle daily affairs.
• Security & Protection provided by elite guards.
• Travel Opportunities across distant realms and interstellar domains.
• Social Status on par with religious and political elites.
• Exclusive Networks & Influence among the ruling class.

Perception

Social Status

Skálds are symbols of wisdom, wealth, and legitimacy. The presence of a Skáld in a noble household signifies:

• Cultural Refinement – Proof of a ruler’s commitment to intellectual and moral development.
• Strategic Prowess – The ability to make informed and calculated decisions.
• Social Prestige – Elevating a house’s status within elite circles.

In many societies, Skálds are revered nearly as much as religious figures, serving as both intellectual leaders and moral compasses.

Operations

Workplace

The workplace of a Skáld is far more than a mere residence—it is a fortress of intellect, a sanctuary of wisdom, and a bastion of cultural preservation. Every Skáld is provided with an extensive domain, often resembling a small autonomous campus within a noble estate or governmental complex. These areas are carefully designed to support their many roles as advisors, scholars, and custodians of history.

Beyond mere lodgings, their space encompasses dedicated wings, research facilities, libraries, classrooms, and security garrisons, ensuring they can operate effectively while being protected from external threats. Skálds are not simply guests within a House or institution—they are pillars of knowledge and governance.

Within their designated wings, Skálds establish their centers of thought and influence. These areas serve as both their quarters and the nerve centers for their intellectual and political activities. Every facet of a Skáld's workplace is tailored to maximize efficiency, security, and knowledge dissemination. Each Skáld’s domain includes well-equipped research laboratories designed to facilitate both scientific exploration and magical experimentation. These spaces support inquiries into a variety of disciplines:

• Advanced Reasoning & Philosophical Debate – Development of logical theorems and philosophical frameworks.
• Scientific Discovery & Innovation – Experimentation in chemistry, alchemy, and natural sciences.
• Metaphysical Studies – Investigation of arcane laws and the cosmic structure of reality.
• Linguistic & Cultural Research – Analysis of languages, customs, and histories from across Yggdrasil.

A Skáld's domain is incomplete without an extensive library, a vast collection of texts that spans centuries of accumulated wisdom. These repositories contain:

• Historical Records – Chronicles of past events, preserved for future analysis.
• Academic Works – Treatises on science, politics, and metaphysics.
• Arcane Tomes – Magical texts and forbidden knowledge, safeguarded from misuse.
• Personal Writings & Memoirs – Skáldic journals that document their own lives and experiences.

Education is one of the Skáld’s greatest duties. To that end, they often establish small, private colleges within their domains. These institutions serve as training grounds for the noble elite, preparing them for leadership, governance, and intellectual pursuits.

• Curriculum: Skálds impart knowledge in diverse subjects, such as:
• Political Theory and Diplomacy
• Scientific and Mathematical Mastery
• Ethics, Philosophy, and Higher Reasoning
• Magical and Metaphysical Applications
• Private Tutoring: Heirs and noble youth are personally trained by the Skáld, ensuring they are well-versed in the necessary skills to lead.
• Intellectual Symposia: Skálds regularly hosts discussions, debates, and forums to refine the critical thinking of their students and peers.

While Skálds are not primarily warriors, they are often at the heart of political intrigue and power struggles. For their safety and that of their patrons, every Skáld’s estate includes an armory and a security force.

• Weapons Vaults: Secured storage of both traditional and advanced weaponry, available for defense when necessary.
• Personal Garrison: A small cadre of elite guards tasked with protecting the Skáld and their domain.
• Arcane Wards & Magical Protections: Enchanted safeguards that prevent unauthorized entry or tampering.

Provided Services

• Education – Tutoring noble heirs and statesmen.
• Counseling – Offering wisdom in governance and personal affairs.
• Legal & Political Assistance – Assisting in policy-making and legislative matters.
• Historical Documentation – Chronicling events and legacies.
• Cultural Diplomacy – Acting as intermediaries between different civilizations.
• Spiritual Guidance – Some Skálds also serve as religious figures.

Dangers & Hazards

• Political Manipulation – Becoming pawns in power struggles.
• Conflicting Loyalties – Balancing duty to their patrons with personal ethics.
• Excessive Adaptation – Losing their cultural identity by over-integrating.
• Burnout & Stress – Intellectual and emotional fatigue from prolonged service.
• Security Threats – Exposure to assassination, espionage, and political intrigue.
• Legacy Distortion – Pressure to alter historical records in favor of their patrons.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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Alternative Names

Poet | Bard