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Remembering the Bardic Voice, Volume I<br>
Remembering the Bardic Voice, Vol. IV<br>
by Siraan Lisange
By Siraan Lisange

-- Introduction

-- Introduction
Throughout history bards have been the keepers of

lore and oral traditions handed down through many
Throughout history Bards have been the keepers of lore
lands. To this end I write these journals that tell
and oral traditions handed down through many lands.
To this end I start this, the first of my journals
of my wanderings. Shortly I shall retire to the
quieter life, as I have been offered a place in the
that tell of my wanderings. Shortly I shall retire to
Therengian court, but my heart remains on the dusty
the quieter life, as I have been offered a place in
roads where the tones of a lute can be heard coming
the Therengian court, but my heart remains on the
from a distant tavern.
dusty roads where the tones of a lute can be heard
coming from a distant tavern.
In this book I have recorded two more serious roles
Recorded in this book are ceremonies that I found to
the bardic folk have played, that of the standard-
hold us somewhere vital in their enactment. I
bearer and healer. Though both offices often
encourage the reader to make their own research of
endanger the singer's life or sanity, I still
encourage bards to experience at least one of these
these events during their travels, as nothing can
truly compare to witnessing them first hand. It is a
posts during their life and travels. It is a bard's
Bard's duty to see that tradition and history are kept
duty to see that certain roles are filled, no matter
alive, and that is the trust I place in you, my peers,
where we travel, and that is the trust I place in
students, and future descendants of Bardic kindred.
you, my peers, students, and descendants of bardic
kindred.
See that the lore is not forgotten.
See that your duty is never forgotten.


-- The Dancing of The Flames
-- Standard Bearing
Fire has myriad meanings in the foreign lands a Bard
travels. In those that honor the Thirteen, however,
Although too often lacking in these parts of late,
you will almost always find flames associated with
the standard bearer can be found in armies of many
Tamsine Hearth-Keeper, the goddess of homes and
lands. It is in this office that a bard is called
upon to be more than a minstrel and traveler, but to
families. With the presence of a flame borne by even
also bear inside themselves a strength and
the simplest of lamps or candles, her blessing is
determination beyond what most mortals can endure.
sought for new homes, marriages, and the naming and
In this office a bard is called on to be not just a
well-wishing of newborn children.
minstrel and traveler but to wield a strong arm with
a determination beyond that of most mortals.
In the more populated towns of late, a new tradition
has been growing increasingly popular. During mid-
spring an area is cleared in the heart of town, the
The standard bearers of an army do just what the
title describes -- they bear the pennants, flags and
Square if the town has one, and dozens of uncovered
standards for the ruler or cause that they represent.
lanterns are placed in its center to form the shape of
More than this, they also are responsible for
a reclining cat. After each lantern is lit at sunset,
improving and holding high the morale of their
a Bard or dancer is then called upon to leap and turn
among the flames until the sun rises again.
comrades in arms. To this end I have heard, even
sung on occasion, stirring renditions of national
anthems, battle hymns, and even one or two rousing
Aptly called The Dancing of the Flames, this is a much
rounds of "The Tavernkeep and His Lady" to keep the
more perilous tradition than the mere lighting of a
laughter flowing among the squads. Well into the
candle. After several people were seriously burned by
falling amongst the burning oil lanterns, towns that
night while the camp prepares for a scant few hours
of rest one can usually find a bard or two instilling
practice this celebration required that the 'Dancer'
be a Guilded Bard or Gypsy trained in the ways of
some much-needed confidence into the troops.
dancing. Very few have been burned since these
However, the role of a bardic standard bearer is not
regulations came to pass, since both group's inherent
one limited to boosting soldier morale during the
gifts and training lent them a nimbleness that few
late hours of night. The bard must continue to do so
others possess.
even during the long days of battle, rousing the
troops not only with song and ballad but with magic
Music is used to aid the 'Dancer' in evading the
as well. The simplest of enchantes, when raising the
flames, and can be performed by any number of
minstrels who wish to participate. The swift beat of
strength of an entire army, can turn the tide of a
a drum or voice gives them a rhythm to concentrate
war. However, this power must be tempered with
upon as their feet move in a set pattern of dance
wisdom as well. Should the bards of opposing armies
steps. No more than one singer or performer is
not use their full repertoire of enchantes and
instead sing the most aggressive ones at their
needed, indeed in some areas a competition is held to
disposal, the results can be cataclysmic. In this
grant one talented prodigy the honor of 'Singing the
manner the infamous "Rage of the Clans" gained
Flames.'
its name, for in the midst of a clan war armed with
bards on both sides, such bloodshed was seen that was
This is no bar to those who wish an extravagant show,
however. I myself had the luck of being invited to
unheard of for centuries before. There were no
winners in that battle, so total was the loss to both
the palace of Queen Morganae last year to witness a
lands. Perhaps a better name for it might have been
pair of Bards dancing above real beeswax candles to
the music of a full orchestra. Their feet were so
"Blood of the Clans," for that is one that it truly
earned.
quick that they barely disturbed the brightly burning
tapers, and not a single one was knocked over by the
The standard a bard holds is itself often a target of
rapid dancing. It was truly a magnificent sight.
an opposing army's efforts. Even the youngest
footsoldier knows that the standard of a king, clan
As the sun rises on a new day after the Dance, a
chief, or hero inspires allies on in battle. This is
Cleric devoted to Tamsine will give the ritual prayer
why bards who wish to travel with an army must be
asking for the protection and warmth of the Goddess to
strong of arm and trained in weaponry beyond that of
be bestowed upon the town for the upcoming year. No
most of their guildmates, to guard their standard and
one is really sure which part of the ceremony is that
ensure that above all it stays aloft. Bards training
which truly calls upon Tamsine, however, since
in this are often scoffed at by their colleagues,
occasionally in the more remote towns it is remarked
because such training in weapons is not required for
upon that a tabby cat can be seen among the flickering
lanterns, walking among the flames.
advancement among the echelons of the Guild, but
nonetheless is necessary if a bard wishes to survive
past the first battle.
-- Story Circles
As you can tell by this time, dear reader, the role
of a standard bearer is one fraught with desperation
The tradition of sitting in a circle and telling old
tales is one that goes back to even the early times of
and peril, and one that asks a strength and endurance
the Elves. Not always a venue for compositions and
beyond what most will ever need. But the role of a
contests, storytelling is also a manner in which
standard bearer is more rewarding than most other
roles a bard may find himself in. For when after a
ancient history is passed on in many cultures
long battle you survey the chaos, the remnants of
throughout Elanthia.
mortal bodies whose souls have fled to Urrem'tier's
embrace, and your flag still stands proudly above the
Bardic participation in story circles is not an
carnage, you truly understand what it is to feel
essential requirement, but one that almost universally
alive. Tread not lightly into this role.
accepted without question. Having learned the old
ballads from their fellow guild members, we can always
be counted upon to provide another story or epic even
-- Herbalist
into the early hours before dawn breaks upon a weary
group of revelers. Always welcome are our new tales
When one speaks of herbalists, what comes to mind are
from foreign lands, and our seemingly never-ending
those hardworking, empathic souls who care so much
supply of exotic drinks that some bring with them to
for their fellow being that they take onto themselves
these gatherings.
the wounds of others. While true healers and life-
givers, they are not the only ones you can find
Keep in mind, however, that traditional tales can vary
tending to the injured and fallen when one conflict
from town to town, valley to valley. Names get
or another has given birth to bloodshed.
misspelled, switched, places forgotten and substituted
for others, and often parts are misunderstood. It is
the responsibility of the Bard in these instances to
Without the empathic gifts of a guilded healer, one
must rely on knowledge and skill in their stead.
provide the 'true tale,' the one closest to the events
Seek out the extensive libraries inside each of your
that had originally taken place and was preserved in
guildhalls or, whenever possible, those of your
the Bardic lore. This isn't always greeted with
kindred who have already devoted their time to the
enthusiasm, but rare is the group that doesn't listen
alchemical arts. From these people and tomes you can
in with curiosity when a Bard says, 'This is what
learn ways to heal wounds in ways that may rival the
really took place.'
speed of empathic healers, and do not depend on one's
own strength and endurance to work. Such tinctures
In this manner Bards preserve the history in the minds
and salves made in this manner may also be passed on
of the people around them, while making a celebration
to others, and a single jar can save the wounds of
of it rather than an arduous class. Story circles can
many from infection, rather than one.
be found to be held at almost any time of the year,
depending upon which lands you travel. Why, this year
alone I traveled from a Therengian Shosando story
This is not to say that a bard's magic can be of no
circle to a Lormandu circle in Elirach. How very
help when they seek to aid another. For the
steadfast herbalist the simplest of Lilt's can be
lucky I felt to make it to both in the same year! Wine
used to speed an entire infirmary on its way to
flowed like rivers to our parched throats and, thanks
to the efforts myself and my fellows, stories flowed
recovery, easing the pain of wounds to the point
where the patient's own relaxed posture can better
as thickly until dawn broke over the hills.
aid their own healing. Such work is tireless and
thankless, and the sight of so many wounds has driven
When planning to attend a story circle, always
many a stir-crazy bard to abandon their playing in
remember to bring some gift for your host. Not only
is it good manners, but they may also make sure your
favor of attempting to tend to the wounds on their
own, but this is folly. A simple set of bones in one
tankard is kept filled as you bespeak your tales. On
hand, and a bottle of healing unguent in the other
the rare occasion that the host is offended by a
storyteller, they have been known to keep the
can work wonders if the bard has the patience to
utilize them.
tankard dry 'just until the story is finished,' and
that can make it seem a very long time indeed. Only
by modifying the tale so that it flatters the host
For this reason, in addition to so many others, a
bard's presence upon the battlefield can be more than
will he or she often be appeased.
a merely token one. Their training in weapons gives
them the freedom to go where an empathic healer may
Rare does this happen, however, for during these
not, and to defend themselves against the enemy in
modern times story circles are held for such large
their sojourn amongst the armies. Many a time a bard
groups that not everyone can be expected to bring
armed only with his or her bag of healing reagents, a
gifts for the host or hostess. Becoming ever-
increasingly popular is the custom of bequeathing
dagger, and the simple rhythms of "Drums of the
Snake" to better aid them in the arts of evasion and
gifts upon the last person to stay awake through the
stalking, has proven themselves to be an asset in
story circle, the one keeping the tales going until
dawn. Still, whichever side of the tradition one
even the seemingly most dire of situations.
takes, you will likely want to bring a gift of some
Some concern may be given at this point that the role
sort with you to a story circle. Look for story
of a bard as a herbalist is one that only addresses
circles at the solstices and yearly celebrations in
each land, for those are the times I seem to find them
the needs of others, and that the bard himself is
left wanting of purpose. To these people I advise to
most often. Who knows, someday perhaps you, reader,
look to themselves, in the role of an herbalist.
and I shall meet.
Learn the simplest salves to ensure your voice and
arm stay true, and arm yourself with these - I
Good traveling.
guarantee that during your travels, be they on road,
through tavern, or in a battle, you will find need of
... Siraan Lisange ...
them yourself. And if others find use of them as
well, so much the better. You will have fulfilled
your duty and kept the knowledge alive.
Safe traveling.
...Siraan Lisange...
[[category:Book]][[page type is::book| ]][[guild association is::bard| ]]

Latest revision as of 13:45, 11 October 2008

Remembering the Bardic Voice, Vol. IV
By Siraan Lisange

-- Introduction

Throughout history bards have been the keepers of lore and oral traditions handed down through many lands. To this end I write these journals that tell of my wanderings. Shortly I shall retire to the quieter life, as I have been offered a place in the Therengian court, but my heart remains on the dusty roads where the tones of a lute can be heard coming from a distant tavern.

In this book I have recorded two more serious roles the bardic folk have played, that of the standard- bearer and healer. Though both offices often endanger the singer's life or sanity, I still encourage bards to experience at least one of these posts during their life and travels. It is a bard's duty to see that certain roles are filled, no matter where we travel, and that is the trust I place in you, my peers, students, and descendants of bardic kindred.

See that your duty is never forgotten.


-- Standard Bearing

Although too often lacking in these parts of late, the standard bearer can be found in armies of many lands. It is in this office that a bard is called upon to be more than a minstrel and traveler, but to also bear inside themselves a strength and determination beyond what most mortals can endure. In this office a bard is called on to be not just a minstrel and traveler but to wield a strong arm with a determination beyond that of most mortals.

The standard bearers of an army do just what the title describes -- they bear the pennants, flags and standards for the ruler or cause that they represent. More than this, they also are responsible for improving and holding high the morale of their comrades in arms. To this end I have heard, even sung on occasion, stirring renditions of national anthems, battle hymns, and even one or two rousing rounds of "The Tavernkeep and His Lady" to keep the laughter flowing among the squads. Well into the night while the camp prepares for a scant few hours of rest one can usually find a bard or two instilling some much-needed confidence into the troops.

However, the role of a bardic standard bearer is not one limited to boosting soldier morale during the late hours of night. The bard must continue to do so even during the long days of battle, rousing the troops not only with song and ballad but with magic as well. The simplest of enchantes, when raising the strength of an entire army, can turn the tide of a war. However, this power must be tempered with wisdom as well. Should the bards of opposing armies not use their full repertoire of enchantes and instead sing the most aggressive ones at their disposal, the results can be cataclysmic. In this manner the infamous "Rage of the Clans" gained its name, for in the midst of a clan war armed with bards on both sides, such bloodshed was seen that was unheard of for centuries before. There were no winners in that battle, so total was the loss to both lands. Perhaps a better name for it might have been "Blood of the Clans," for that is one that it truly earned.

The standard a bard holds is itself often a target of an opposing army's efforts. Even the youngest footsoldier knows that the standard of a king, clan chief, or hero inspires allies on in battle. This is why bards who wish to travel with an army must be strong of arm and trained in weaponry beyond that of most of their guildmates, to guard their standard and ensure that above all it stays aloft. Bards training in this are often scoffed at by their colleagues, because such training in weapons is not required for advancement among the echelons of the Guild, but nonetheless is necessary if a bard wishes to survive past the first battle.

As you can tell by this time, dear reader, the role of a standard bearer is one fraught with desperation and peril, and one that asks a strength and endurance beyond what most will ever need. But the role of a standard bearer is more rewarding than most other roles a bard may find himself in. For when after a long battle you survey the chaos, the remnants of mortal bodies whose souls have fled to Urrem'tier's embrace, and your flag still stands proudly above the carnage, you truly understand what it is to feel alive. Tread not lightly into this role.


-- Herbalist

When one speaks of herbalists, what comes to mind are those hardworking, empathic souls who care so much for their fellow being that they take onto themselves the wounds of others. While true healers and life- givers, they are not the only ones you can find tending to the injured and fallen when one conflict or another has given birth to bloodshed.

Without the empathic gifts of a guilded healer, one must rely on knowledge and skill in their stead. Seek out the extensive libraries inside each of your guildhalls or, whenever possible, those of your kindred who have already devoted their time to the alchemical arts. From these people and tomes you can learn ways to heal wounds in ways that may rival the speed of empathic healers, and do not depend on one's own strength and endurance to work. Such tinctures and salves made in this manner may also be passed on to others, and a single jar can save the wounds of many from infection, rather than one.

This is not to say that a bard's magic can be of no help when they seek to aid another. For the steadfast herbalist the simplest of Lilt's can be used to speed an entire infirmary on its way to recovery, easing the pain of wounds to the point where the patient's own relaxed posture can better aid their own healing. Such work is tireless and thankless, and the sight of so many wounds has driven many a stir-crazy bard to abandon their playing in favor of attempting to tend to the wounds on their own, but this is folly. A simple set of bones in one hand, and a bottle of healing unguent in the other can work wonders if the bard has the patience to utilize them.

For this reason, in addition to so many others, a bard's presence upon the battlefield can be more than a merely token one. Their training in weapons gives them the freedom to go where an empathic healer may not, and to defend themselves against the enemy in their sojourn amongst the armies. Many a time a bard armed only with his or her bag of healing reagents, a dagger, and the simple rhythms of "Drums of the Snake" to better aid them in the arts of evasion and stalking, has proven themselves to be an asset in even the seemingly most dire of situations.

Some concern may be given at this point that the role of a bard as a herbalist is one that only addresses the needs of others, and that the bard himself is left wanting of purpose. To these people I advise to look to themselves, in the role of an herbalist. Learn the simplest salves to ensure your voice and arm stay true, and arm yourself with these - I guarantee that during your travels, be they on road, through tavern, or in a battle, you will find need of them yourself. And if others find use of them as well, so much the better. You will have fulfilled your duty and kept the knowledge alive. 

       Safe traveling.                                
                                                      
                         ...Siraan Lisange...
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