Bards FAQ

There are three basic types of musicians on Velgarth: gleemen, minstrels and Bards. They are distinguished mostly by their level of skill and the Gifts that they have. In addition to entertaining, the musicians also function as a way of spreading news throughout the various lands.

General Rules

There are strict rules about the public performance of music and singing throughout Velgarth. (Similar rules govern the universe of the Free Bards.) Most cities require you to have a license if you perform on the city streets. If you wish to perform for money in an inn, you must:

1. Ask permission from the innkeeper.
2. Share your take with any resident minstrel or musician, since that person cannot perform for pay while you are performing.

The wise performer will take requests before offering anything new or unfamiliar. Performers who have a large repertoire of familiar pieces tend to make more money than players who only offer unfamiliar material.

It's an extremely good idea to know your audience and to be aware of what might offend them before you sing an inappropriate song or tell the wrong story in the wrong place at the wrong time. (This is another good reason to take requests before offering anything original, since the requests will give you a feel for the crowd.)

Gleemen

These are the vaudevillians of Velgarth. In addition to music, they can juggle, act and perform sleight of hand magic tricks.

Minstrels

Minstrels are the popular singers of Velgarth. They are often preferred over Bards when it comes to listening to music to have a good time because they do not have Bardic Gift.

The minstrels have a guild.

Bards

Bards are the elite musicians of Velgarth. The difference between minstrels and Bards is something like the difference between Elton John and Itzak Perlman or between Michael Jackson and Luciano Pavoratti.

All Bards have Bardic Gift. To be accepted at the Bardic Collegium, a student must have either Talent or Creativity in addition to Bardic Gift. These Gifts are called the "Musical Gifts".

Bardic Trainees wear red-brown uniforms. Full Bards wear scarlet-colored uniforms.

Bards have Bardic Immunity. In addition to protecting a Bard from an audience's wrath if a particular song gives offense, Bardic Immunity allows Bards take Gifted apprentices to the Collegium at Haven even if that person's parent, legal guardian, owner or employer objects.

The Bardic Collegium teaches courses in history, literature, and the various religions of Valdemar.

Ranks for Bards include:

• Trainee (wears red-brown)
• Full (wears Scarlet)
• Master
• Chief Councilor of the Bardic Circle (This is a Misty-only character-type.)

When Trainees are ready to advance in rank, they are judged by the Bardic Council. The Bardic Council consists of seven members, who run the Bardic Collegium.

Honors

Laureate Bard's Coronet

Texts

The Bardic Chronicles are the Collegium's archives. They contain the stories and songs of Velgarth. The known songs of Velgarth include:

• Berden's Ride
• Bitter Wench, The
• Crafty Maid, The
• Fair Maid of Bredemere
• My Lady's Eyes
• Sword the Sings
• Threes

Definitions

These are some terms for the Helpful Handout for Bards that people have asked us about:

• Perform: How about going caroling? Entertaining at a local nursing home? Holding a song-circle party regularly? Acting out stories at the local library or day care center?

Protocol

Bards and minstrels on Velgarth stick to a rather strict protocol when they perform:

1. Obtain Permission (This might be as simple as asking for permission before starting to play in an inn or as complicated as getting a permit to perform in a specific town.)
2. Share (Give a portion of your take to the resident musicians if you are just passing through; your portion can be exchanged for shelter and/or food)
3. Take requests before performing original work.

Other Questions About Bardic Personae

I didn't get a Bard for a character when I rolled. I got a gleeman or a minstrel instead. Can I roll again?

Well, technically we can't stop you from rerolling <g>. Nor can we force you to create a type of persona that you do not want. Consider, however, the creative possibilities behind your roll. Bardic Gift can get in the way of people enjoying the music. Perhaps you have one of the most popular minstrels in Valdemar. Or maybe your gleeman might help a Herald catch a thief because your persona knows sleight of hand. Or consider the possibility of a gleeman as a spy; that acting skill could come in really handy, sleight of hand can be used to procure information, and juggling can provide misdirection or supply a source of weapons if you are juggling knives! Don't let your disappointment in a roll stifle your creativity. Some people actually prefer these character types to full Bards.

Return to the Queen's Own Home Page

Return to Just the FAQs Index