History of the Bard

Bards are the Heralds of Pallon. Creating music is their passion and through it they aim to unite people in song, spiritually, as well as physically. Bards must study other cultures in order to learn about their styles and approaches to making music. Also in order to perform in the appropriate manner required for myriad occasions. The two largest castes of bards are the Erutan, with six tribes, and the Maeji'Nse, with five. Although within the same species family, amongst themselves they all have vastly different cultural instruments, called Paluri'Motu. Bards master various instruments, however, there is unique talent that accompanies each culture and their own style of play. One of the most important decisions a bard can make is in the type of instrument; its craftsmanship and quality are essential for optimum sound. Those crafted by the Erandur.

Bard - Bards are one of two guilds who use sound as a weapon. Their instruments are crafted, then enchanted in such a manner that allows them to harness flows of mana through them. In this way, they are similar to the Runics, and Defender in that they do not directly draw upon mana themselves. However, their repertoire is not restricted to the instrument(s) in hand. Songs are learned in the same manner as most spells and some people would go so far as to liken them to magic-users. They are also similar to the Necromancers in that they do not fear death, rather regard it with great respect. It is their belief that all the souls of the living are notes in Nuria'Ven'sa'Halsyia, the Chant of Harmony. When death occurs, the souls cross the Veil and become notes in Dlihra'Son'tl'Vasce, the Hymn of Solace.

Founder - Pallon
Races - Aralune, Auglaur, Aylan, Chobin, Dhranli, Erutan'Aldir, Erutan'Eryne, Erutan'Faele, Erutan'Ithil, Erutan'Nosrel, Erutan'Suiad,
Ervaj, Hyurin, Mendalisse, Naiathan, Neldius, Tameidrin

Rank 1 Honor - Minstrel
Rank 2 Honor - Troubadour
Rank 3 Honor - Virtuoso

Symbol ~ Created by the Aralune, this is one of few original symbols still in use. The design echoes part of their philosophy about life: that souls of the living and dead are notes in the song of time. To be more specific, the top half represents the Chant of Harmony, “Nuria ‘Ven’sa’Halcyion,” while the bottom represents the Hymn of Solace, “Dlihra’Son’tl’Vasce.” The symbol was altered slightly and applied to the study and composition of sheet music. The idea for this was two-fold; to spread good word of their guild and compliment their way of thinking. The creation of any music can influence others by sound, mood, feeling, memory, and many other ways. In this fashion everyone is connected to one another, and while our souls may not all play the same song, they all sing.

Paluri'Motu ~ These are the most powerful and difficult instruments to master. They were gifts from Pallon, the god of Music and the Arts from ancient times when the deities lived with the mortals. To each of those species deemed worthy of his guidance, he taught them to craft unique instruments. Cherished as cultural treasures, they have been passed down through generations as ancient relics that are heavily guarded even within the guild. Only true masters of the craft are able to play them successfully, and part of that mastery comes in crafting one's own Paluri'Motu.

Nuria'Ven'sa'Halsyia ~ 'The Chant of Harmony' in the divine tongue, refers to the spiritual belief that in life on the mortal plane, the souls of all living beings compose the notes of this "song." In music, just as in life there are special parts that must be played, some may be greater than others, but what truly matters is the final composition, even minus smallest part, the entire score is ruined. There have been claims that just prior to the birth of a child, a mysterious and enchanting melody has been heard coming from seemingly nowhere. The first record of this predates the Esyprial Wars some hundreds of years ago. Until then, it was widely accepted as a purely spiritual "song." The discovery of a melody's existence, changed the Bard Guild forever.

Dlihra'Son'tl'Vasce ~ 'The Hymn of Solace' in the divine tongue, refers to the spiritual belief that the souls of the dead, as they ascend to the heavenly planes, become notes in this song. Similar to the Chant of Harmony, the discovery of its existence had a major impact on the guild. Unfortunately, there are reports, in rare cases of hearing the song prior to the birth of a child, however, it is most noted before a life ends. While it is quite rare to hear either song in one's lifetime, it is considered an high honor. There have been a few bards, in recorded history to possess the ability to tap into either song, granting slight clairvoyance. The great Muse Nara Aluryne, a legend not only within the guild, was able to hear both songs. Her talents lead her to great fame as not only a musician, but also a fortune teller.

Register of guilds throughout Erandur:

Bards of the Mordan
Coldspine Troubadours
Children of Ampador
Coral Songweavers
Dirgecallers
Heralds of the Doyen Muse
Heralds of the Dulcet Breeze
Heralds of the Skyshrine
Heralds of Vileo’s Litany
Hollowshade Minstrels
Minstrels of the Conch Horn
Minstrels of the Waking Sands
Muses of the Deep
Muses of the Nightmoon
Rowanwood Minstrels
Rubinian Minstrels
Sailfin Seasingers
Sorrow's Lament
Triton Minstrels
Vox of the Tide
Windwillow Troubadours


Excerpt taken from 'Echoes of Adari, Notes on the History of the Bard,'
by Minstrel Ilena Soreniar.