Bards in Velgarth are uncommon, and usually welcomed everywhere as sources of novel entertainment. Outside of Valdemar, it is unknown if they receive much in the way of quality, focused training. If Leslac is an example of the typical outKingdom Bard, then their training leaves much to be desired. Inside Valdemar, however, Bardic Trainees are selected on the basis of whether they have at least two of the three gifts of Bards:
- Creative Gift
- Gift of Musicianship
- Bardic Gift
Creativity is composing original works; musicianship is playing one or more musical instruments; and most significantly, the Bardic Gift is the ability to control the moods of crowds through music -- similar to empathy.
In Valdemar, one who possesses at least two of these three will be taken to Haven and enrolled, usually at no cost to the student or family, in the Bardic Collegium and will become a Bard-Trainee.
Bard-Trainees wear rust red uniforms and take classes in a broad variety of topics, such as literature and history. In addition to music classes and learning to use their Gifts, they are required to have weapons training. They have the following ranking system:
- Apprentice Bard
- Journeyman Bard
- Master Bard
- Full Bard
Each level has certain requirements on it before one can be allowed to attain it. Graduation comes when one reaches Master status, though some gain Full Bard status by the time of their graduation, but that is a rare occasion. Upon graduation, Bards are granted scarlet uniforms. A Bard's Master Work is the equivalent of a thesis, displaying their Creative Gift for approval by the Bardic Collegium.
Notable Bards[]
For a full list of articles on individual Bards, see: Category:Bards
See also[]