Songs of Enchantment, Magic in Music - the Bard

The Minstrel is an enigmatic character, skilled in the arts of songs, story-telling, dramatics and music. Minstrels are powerful public speakers, and have the ability to move an audience to action with the power of their word. With their instruments, they are able to weave songs of great potency and enchantments of lasting moment.

The modern era of the Bards Guild was founded in the late seventh century by Malwen the Songmistress. Her traditions of a benevolent guild have been carried ever since by the members of this illustrious and proud fellowship. The Bards Guild make their home on the east bank of the city of Mercinae in a large complex near the Cathedral. They maintain close ties with the city council and often come to the aid of the citizens of Mercinae in times of need. During peace-time the Bards travel the land giving aid and succour to the needy, spreading their ideals of harmony and altruism.

For history's sake we have included information about the Minstrels Guild, though the guild has long been closed and only its last missives remain to remind folk of a once mighty force in the land:

"The Minstrels Guild broke away from the Bards Guild in the eighth century, choosing instead the seafaring city of Parrius as their home. The current Minstrels Guild can be found along Leaf Lane towards the southwest of Parrius. The Minstrels were brought into Parrius by their erstwhile leader, Falstaff. The ideals of the Minstrels Guild are similar to the Bards; a longing for peace and harmony among the great cities and towns of Avalon, and benevolence towards the needy and the weak. The Minstrels maintain close, friendly ties with the Bards Guild and often members from the two guilds can be seen performing together to amuse and educate the city folk..."