Possible New Project?
Heyo, all.

Sir Samsaren, whom some of you may know is currently undertaking a huge project for the Phoenix Warriors which will be posted on their website. He is writing a guide about everything. Not one to be modest, he is throwing himself into the project whole-heartedly and we discussed it at length, only to be told that he knows nothing about Bardic Magic.

This led me to thinking that perhaps we might consider writing Part Two of the Bard's Guide, including a more advanced look at Bardic History, Bardic Magic, Instruments, Special Skills such as whistles, practicing, screams and voice throws, etc..., How our guild uses cambrinth, the messaging we get when power perceiving, and so on...

I was thinking that once it was written, we could offer it to Simu as an extension of our first collaboration, offer it to Samsaren to be included in his project (which will cover all guilds) (we would be given credit as the authors), and maybe offer it to the OCW (since we have a plethora of bards).

But above all, I just thought it would be a lot of fun.

I'd love to know your opinions on the idea, so feel free to share!

~Nilme
- posted by Anonymous @ 2:12 PM 0 comments

 
YEA!
Just read the good news! Our hard work has been rewarded! Thanks for a fantastic job from everyone. I think we can be really proud of our collaboration! It was loads of fun!

~Nilme
- posted by Anonymous @ 10:05 PM 0 comments

 
The Guide Has Been Submitted
After making the final edits last night that several of you sent me, I sent “A Night at the Tavern” off to Vaeldriil. I chatted with her a little bit, last night, and she said she already had some submissions, but fewer than ten. So we are not alone.

I think it came out great, and I thank each of you for your contributions. Now it's time to cross your fingers.

Congratulations. A fine piece of work.

- posted by Chris @ 9:06 AM 0 comments

 
Title and Group Name
I vote for Khestryl's First Suggestion:

"A Night at the Tavern; A Guide to the Bard Guild"

Here's the next task:

Suggest a name for our merry band of writers, (which I believe was Eileethan's suggestion.)

Here's one to consider:

The Drunken Scribes

Get thinking!

~Nilme

- posted by Anonymous @ 8:00 PM 0 comments

 
ACK!
Just realized that we never discussed a title. Do we need one? What should it be?

- posted by Anonymous @ 11:07 AM 0 comments

 
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 0 comments

 
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Barkeep moves easily through the maze of tables and brings you the ale. “Ye realize there are plenty of other places ta get information about being a bard… ye don’t have ta take the word of this bunch,” He says as he motions to his eclectic group of customers. If ye’ve a mind to, ye can get quite a lot of useful information here.” He hands you a loosely rolled, ale-stained scroll. You glance at the unexpected benefactor of information, but he is already back behind the bar serving a group of travelers who have just arrived.

Sitting down in an isolated booth, you UNROLL the scroll, too curious to wonder how it was obtained by the Barkeep.

As you STUDY the scroll, you see:

Other DragonRealms Guild Guides
Shavay’s Enchante Site
Dewsong’s
Tavern Troupe
Other Links Here

You realize that while you obviously have a lot to learn, you’re in the best of company!

- posted by Anonymous @ 3:21 PM 0 comments

 
Stats and Training
As you pass through the room, bits and pieces of conversation intermingle into a cacophony of gossip, complaining, and flirting.

“If ye e’en had yerself a copper for eevr’y time that wort’less dwarf set his eyes to some other gal, ye’d be richer’n the baron hisself…”

“The Arthe Dale Concerts?? Of COURSE I go! Are ye mad? I wouldnae dare miss ‘em! Best entertainment Elanthia can offer!”

One bit of information grabs you, and you pause through the tables and chairs hoping to hear a bit more.

“So I says to him”, says a VERY strong G’or Tog who seems to fill the space surrounding with an intimidating aura, “Ye just need to concentrate on yer stats. Don’t be following the ad-vice of ev’ry Olvi that passes ye on the street.”

His companion nods knowingly and adds, “Good on ya, Rol, all anyone needs to do is to look here to find out all the basics.”

He points to a grimy scrap of bark, on which is scribed something in scratchy writing. You edge your way closer to the bar to peer at the paper. Smiling nervously to yourself while trying not to attract any undue attention, you glance down and see written:

“Website Address Here”

Before you can ask these apparently knowledgeable gentlemen about the mysterious message, the bar maid passes you, tilts her head and says, “If ye’re looking to learn more about becoming a bard, you should talk to them. (She tilts her head toward the corner of the bar.)

You walks away, chuckling at something a customer has said, as you gaze at your potential guildmates a little doubtfully.

- posted by Anonymous @ 3:19 PM 0 comments

 
Got it covered- Khes! :)
I'm writing the intro today. Once I get all the sections that everyone is submitting, I'll organize it, write little segues if needed to help them flow and write a concluding paragraph. We're still waiting on Magic/Enchantes and Performing. I wrote a little thing for stats... just haven't finalized it yet. I'll post that in a bit. (eating lunch now!)

Your editor,
~Nilme

P.S. See, Vank, it's coming together! Did you finish the chapter on 'Being Fuzzy' ?

- posted by Anonymous @ 1:51 PM 0 comments

 
Special Bardic Abilities
Here's the chapter on special skills. I got myself arrested testing the defiant scream, too, dang it. Stoopid passerby.


Special Bardic Skills and Abilities

Glancing over in the corner you notice two bards having a very animated conversation, laughing loudly and trying very hard not to spill their drinks. The one on the left holds his stout mug high, and you could swear it just said, "DRINK ME!". The other bard howls with laughter.

Noticing you staring, the one with the mug calls you over. Glancing around the bar to make sure no one is listening, he leans close to you and whispers, "Just joined, didja? Anybody happen to mention the special abilities you get to learn along the way?" He waits for an answer, but seeing the blank look on your face he continues quickly. "I shouldn't really be telling you this, but you'll learn about it eventually. There are quite a few things that our guild can do that the others can't. Some are great for entertaining, some help with communicating, and there's one that could even save your life, if you do it right."

He continues, "What you just saw me do was a little ventriloquism. Once you know a fair bit of vocal ability you'll be able to learn a few ways to throw your voice. Here's another one." He points to his friend in the corner who looks at you and whistles a complicated series of notes that you know means something significant, but you can't really tell what. He winks at you and returns to his beer.

"That there was signal whistling. Over time you can use it to send messages to one person or a whole group. And if you're very skilled, you can do it secretly, too. There's a piercing whistle technique that you can use to distract critters when you're in trouble, too. Pretty handy" Glancing at his friend he says, "Rhett, show him the bluff."

Rhett's eyes widen suddenly as he points in the other direction. He shouts, "Dragon! Dragon! There's a dragon over there!" You can't help but look, but when you turn back he's gone! His friend laughs again. "And that was just one of the five bluffs. Bards are really very clever", he lowers his voice again, "but don't spread that around, ok?"

Just then his friend, Rhett, slips out of hiding and looks you in the face and gives you a wink. With a sly smirk, he reaches toward your ear and returns a moment later holding a silver Lirum in his fingertips. "Hey, I been looking fer that!", he says and pockets the coin.

"Now for my favorite trick - the defiant scream! Cover your ears, now."

Before you can register the warning the air suddenly fills with a defiant scream that thrums painfully with waves of pure sound. You cringe as the sudden barrage of pure, unadultered sound sends waves of pain shooting through your skull. Several of the patrons clap their hands to their ears and drop to their knees. A passerby runs off, calling for Brody to be arrested for disturbing the peace!

The bartender screams from behind the bar, "Brody you crazy bard! That's the third time this week! Out! OUT I SAY! You're cut off!!" Brody quickly empties his mug, gives you a wink, and drags his friend out the door, leaving you wondering if joining the bard guild was a good idea after all.

- posted by Chris @ 8:30 AM 1 comments

 
Instruments and Practicing
Here are chapters for instruments and practicing. I posted them together so we can all see how they flow from one to the other. You can see at the end of the practice lecture he references the sexy bardess in the corner who will be explaining all about performing. I forget who that was .. was it Iala? Anyway .. you get the idea. Comment away!!

Instruments
An innebriated bard notices the puzzled look on your face and shakes off his stupor. Taking a steadying breath he walks over to you with a kind smile on his face and slurs, "Righ'! Well, you'll need some instruments, won' you? The guild has requirements for practicing, you know. You'll need a well-rounded music practice routine if you're to climb through the ranks. Plan on getting one wind, one percussion, and one string instrument for starters."

He continues, "At first you will want to stick to the easiest instruments until you get some skills under your belt. For a string instrument, I'd suggest you buy a LYRE at D'or's fine instrument shop, not very far from here. (from the Bard Guild -- E, E, S, S, S, go shop). They cost about 187 kronars, so you should be able to aford it."

"As far as wind instruments go, you might consider buying a TIN WHISTLE at D'Or's, as well. It also runs for about 187 kronars, and should fit well into your budget. Of course, you can find a MIRLITON at Sinjian's in Leth Deriel, a town not too far from here. They run about a gold and a half, but you'll find it a bit easier. If you don't mind the walk, of course, the instrument peddler in Riverhaven will sell you a TXISTU." He winks and gives you a playful elbow in the ribs, whispering quietly, "By the way, both the txistu and the mirliton are one-handed wind instruments - right handy for practicing whilst holding a drink." He smiles at you with a look of supreem satisfaction.

He continues, "Righ'! You'll also need a percussion instrument. Right handy, percussion. At D'Or's you'll find a TAMBOURINE for 187 kronars." Leaning close to your ear he whispers again, "A word of advice - stay away from the back room, there. The prices at D'Or's bar are a bit steep, and the bartender tends to be so tipsy that he will pour you the wrong drink! Plenty of free ale about town if you know where to look." He winks playfully. "And again, if you're the adventurous type and fancy a bit of a walk, the instrument peddler in Riverhaven will sell you a nice set of ZILLS which you'll be able to play straight off."

Suddenly remembering something very important he says rather loudly, "Don't forget to buy a CLOTH! It's dreadfully important to keep your instruments clean. A few times a day you should APPRAISE them and CLEAN them, making sure they are fit for a bard. And in case they do take any damage from the weather, it's a good idea to buy a REPAIR KIT." He hiccups loudly, trying unsuccessfully to turn it into a cough.

Practicing
The bard takes a long sip from his tankard, unceremoniously wiping his mouth on his sleeve, and slurs, "Now abou' the practice routines." He hiccups very suddenly, catchting you off guard. "You'll want to set aside a few hours a day to run through your routines. A well rounded bard will need an understanding of all five categories: VOCAL, STRING, PERCUSSION, WIND, and MUSIC THEORY. Music Theory ranks accumulate as you practice the others, so you don't have to worry much about it, but there are a few tricks I've learned over the years that I'll share with you to keep your education well rounded." He winks and takes another big gulp, obviously preparing for a long lecture.

"First off, vocals! Your GUILD LEADER will be able to teach you an ENCHANTE when you join. Enchantes are a bard's way of wielding magic. We have the ability to create a spell matrix using sound, a most unique method in our lands. But to be successful you will need to learn to sing. My advice would be to learn either the HODIERNA'S LILT enchante, or the FAENELLA'S GRACE enchante. Both are easy to learn and sing, and are useful. The Lilt, as we like to call it, will speed the recovery of vitality after injuries, while the Grace makes it easier to learn from a teacher. Keep one of these enchantes going at all times, if you can, and you will find yourself learning VOCALS, PRIMARY MAGIC, and HARNESS ABILITY all at once! ASK the GUILD LEADER about MAGIC and he or she will give you a right long lecture and help you CHOOSE what you like."

"The other way to learn vocal skills is to SING songs, of course, in front of an audience. You can sing songs that you write or recite SONG SCROLLS that you have memorized. I believe that lovely lass across the room, there, will give you advice about that." He points to a rather buxom elf seated gracefully in an armchair in the corner, who winks and smiles back at him.

"Now for the good part. To keep your music education balanced, you will want to take turns with your instruments, rotating through the wind, percussion, and strings instruments. In each practice session, I've found it works nicely if I PLAY each instrument about eight times before moving to the next one, all while I SING an enchante. Silvyrfrost will be right pleased with you if you keep your practicing up to snuff!"

"Well, I've rambled enough. You follow my advice and you'll be performing for the Prince in no time! Safe paths, to you, and remember - keep your instruments clean!" He wanders off, muttering something about his bar tab that you don't quite hear.

- posted by Chris @ 11:06 AM 0 comments

 
New Template
We changed the template so we can see more text. Happy composing!

- posted by Chris @ 8:26 PM 0 comments