Introduction
You pause as you pass the open door of the local Inn. Squinting as your eyes adjust to the dramatic change in light, you begin to make out the shapes of the many people lounging about in the room. Before you can decide whether or not you want to step inside, you hear a voice begin a cheery little jig…

Fresh from the Boonies, they arrive in the towns
With a map in their pack and their faces in frowns
They all seek their fortune and ponder, like yous
Which guild they should choose, then they head for the BOOZE!

Now, some new ones dream of a tin can on horse,
Some dream of touching… and healing, of course…
Some dream of trees, or of stars in the sky,
Some dream of thieving, but don’t ask me why…

Some dream of fighting with hands or with magic
Some dream of the selling of goods. I say TRAGIC!
Why, what use is praying on rough bended knee
When it’s clear to US all where they SHOULD want to be….

The singer’s voice trails off on a vibrating note that seems to include more laughter than melody… then you hear a number of people join the performer as they holler out and sing,

“Come join the Bard Guild!
We’re quirky! We’re fun!
And we’ll always be drinkin’
When the huntin’ is done!

“Come join the guild that leaves men-folk all bereft
Because we’ve thrown their voices & their lady-friends have left!
Come join the guild that makes the girlies tremble so
When you wink and saucily show to them your BIG, GIGANTIC bow!”

“Come join the guild whose ladies flash a little skin
The kind that stretches o’er their drums, and the kind that leads to sin…
…cerely hope you’ll think on it, and join our motley crew
We’re the guild that keeps Elanthia fun, and we’d love to welcome YOU!”

The unlikely choir cheers themselves and the performer with various toasts and applause. You see a number of coins flip through the air and land in a spot on the opposite side of the bar.
Inhaling deeply, you take a step in to the busy inn.

- posted by Anonymous @ 3:22 PM