As a result of the unique history of the development of the Bard profession and the diversity of its membership, there is a fundamental choice awaiting all Bards once they have been a member of the profession for ten or more Avalon years: the choice between the "martial" and the "magical" Bardic future.

You'll have grown used to fighting a certain way. Most fighting Bards will be deeply set in their expectations of what Bards can and can't do. These freedoms come at a price and this price is in the full use of all facets of the Bard's guild and specialist ability-set. The "martial" Bard is able to utilise three-quarters of the profession's abilities but also retains the historical freedom enjoyed by the Bard over general skills and liberal melee of his/her professional abilities. The "magical" Bard will acquire ALL of the profession's abilities, general and specialist but will find certain limitations on more general abilities such as spitting poisons.

The "martial" or "magical" choice will be available for the Bard from his or her tenth Avalon year in the profession. It is made by typing CHOOSE MARTIAL or CHOOSE MAGIC and confirming the choice for all time. All Bards begin, by default, as "martial" professionals so the choice can be postponed for a while - but there are benefits to having made the declaration one way or another.

Let us stress again: the choice is a one chance only. It is a permanent, defining decision. Do not rush the decision. Speak to your guild and professional brethren before making the final public declaration.