Welcome Students
Welcome to the Bards’ University, a place of unparalleled learning and musical expression for members of the esteemed Bards Guild. Here, the most talented musicians from across the land come to hone their craft and perfect their art, using an array of standard and specialty instruments.
At Bards’ University, students have access to all manner of standard instruments, including lutes, flutes, drums, harps, and more. But what truly sets this institution apart are its specialty instruments, which are crafted and taught to the most accomplished bards.
Cranked Instrument
One such instrument is the Hurdy Gurdy, a unique stringed instrument that produces an unmistakable sound that is both haunting and beautiful. With its hand-cranked wheel and complex arrangement of strings, the Hurdy Gurdy is a masterful creation that requires years of practice to master. But those who do are rewarded with the ability to evoke powerful emotions and transport listeners to other worlds.
Enchanted Melodies
At Bards’ University, students also have the opportunity to learn to play the magical instruments of the Fae, which are said to possess extraordinary powers. These instruments include the Pan flute, the Fairy Harp, and the Siren’s Lyre, each of which can be used to cast spells, soothe savage beasts, or beguile even the most hardened foes.
Beauty Within
Bards’ University is a grand, sprawling complex with soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and lush gardens. The main building is a massive, multi-story structure with towering windows that flood its halls with light.
The courtyard is filled with bards practicing their instruments, while the strains of music fill the air. In the distance, a group of bards can be seen gathered in a secluded garden, playing rare and exotic instruments like the Hurdy Gurdy and the Fairy Harp.
As the eye travels further, it comes upon the many practice rooms where students perfect their craft on standard instruments such as lutes, flutes, and drums. The walls of these rooms would be adorned with musical notation and sketches of famous bards from history, providing inspiration to aspiring musicians who spend countless hours within their walls.
The Bards University is alive with color, with the various costumes of the bards adding to the vibrancy of the surroundings. The bards themselves would be shown in motion, with their fingers flying over their instruments or their bodies swaying to the rhythms of their music.
In short, Bards’ University would be depicted as a place of energy, creativity, and beauty – a place where music is not just a craft, but a way of life.
Challenges
Students at Bards’ University would face several challenges in their pursuit of musical mastery. One of the biggest challenges would be the sheer difficulty of playing their chosen instrument at a high level. Whether they are playing a standard instrument like the lute or a specialty instrument like the Hurdy Gurdy, students must devote countless hours of practice to refine their skills and achieve true artistry.
Another challenge for students at Bards’ University would be the fierce competition they face from their fellow musicians. The bards guild is highly competitive, and only the most talented and dedicated students are able to rise to the top. This can lead to a stressful and demanding environment, as students feel the pressure to constantly improve and outdo their peers.
In addition to the internal competition, students at Bards’ University may also face external challenges. They may encounter disapproving audiences who do not appreciate their art or face hostility from those who believe that bards are little more than entertainers and not true artists. Students may also face challenges in their personal lives, such as financial difficulties or family obligations, that make it difficult to devote the time and resources needed to pursue their studies.
Despite these challenges, however, students at Bards’ University are driven by a deep passion for music and a desire to create something beautiful and lasting. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, they are able to overcome the obstacles in their path and become true masters of their craft.
Supplies Needed
Bards at the University require a variety of supplies and equipment to practice and perform their craft at the highest level. These include standard instruments like the lute, flute, and drums, as well as specialty instruments like the Hurdy Gurdy and enchanted Fae instruments.
In addition to the instruments themselves, bards require various accessories and supplies to maintain and repair their instruments, including:
Strings: Strings are essential for instruments like the lute and the Hurdy Gurdy. They can break easily and must be replaced often.
Tuners: Accurate tuning is essential for all instruments, and bards use a variety of tuners to ensure that their instruments are perfectly in tune.
Picks: Bards who play stringed instruments require a steady supply of picks to produce different tones and sounds.
Reeds: For bards who play wind instruments like the flute or the pan flute, reeds are a must-have accessory.
Cleaning Supplies: Instruments must be cleaned regularly to prevent damage or wear and tear. Cleaning supplies like cloths, oils, and brushes are therefore essential.
For bards who specialize in playing the Hurdy Gurdy, the following supplies are necessary:
Rosin: Rosin is used to providing better traction for the Hurdy Gurdy’s wheel, helping to produce a clear, sustained sound.
Wrenches: Wrenches are necessary for adjusting the Hurdy Gurdy’s keys and strings.
Bow: The Hurdy Gurdy requires a special bow to produce the instrument’s characteristic sound.
For bards who play enchanted Fae instruments, special materials and supplies may be necessary, including:
Moonstone: Moonstone is used in the construction of the Fairy Harp and other enchanted Fae instruments.
Unicorn Hair: Unicorn hair is used to make the strings of the Siren’s Lyre, giving the instrument its otherworldly sound.
Dragon Scales: Dragon scales are used to reinforce the body of the Pan flute, making it more durable and resistant to damage.
Bards’ University requires a range of supplies, equipment, and accessories to pursue their craft. These include standard instruments, specialty instruments like the Hurdy Gurdy, and enchanted Fae instruments, as well as materials and supplies to maintain and repair their equipment.
Practical Use
Bards possess a range of spells, enchantments, and magical abilities that make them valuable assets in any situation. Here are some examples:
Healing Spells: Bards can use their musical abilities to heal wounds and cure diseases. They can sing songs that soothe pain, play music that restores vitality, and use their voices to chant spells that mend broken bones.
Courage-Boosting Enchantments: Bards can use their music to inspire courage and bolster the morale of their allies. Their songs can dispel fear and doubt, and give their companions the confidence they need to face even the most daunting challenges.
Historical Tales: Bards are the keepers of history and legends. They can recount tales of ancient battles, tell stories of forgotten kingdoms, and share myths and legends that hold valuable lessons for adventurers.
Combat Magic: Bards can use their musical abilities to devastating effect in combat. They can sing songs that weaken their enemies, play the music that confuses their foes, and use their voices to chant spells that deal damage or control their opponents.
Illusion Magic: Bards can create illusions that fool their enemies and aid their allies. They can use their music to disguise themselves, make their companions invisible, or create illusions that distract or mislead their enemies.
Enchantment Spells: Bards can cast spells that enchant objects and creatures, making them more powerful or easier to control. They can imbue weapons with magical energy, enchant armor to provide greater protection, or use their music to charm or control their enemies.
Seasoned Bards possess a range of magical abilities that make them versatile and valuable allies in any adventure. They can heal wounds, inspire courage, tell stories, fight in combat, create illusions, and enchant objects and creatures with their musical abilities.
Famous Graduates
Accomplished bards who graduated from the Bards’ University:
Lyra the Lute Player – Known for her sweet and melodic playing, Lyra is a master of the lute. She has traveled the world, sharing her music and stories with anyone who will listen.
Falco the Flute Master – Falco is a virtuoso of the flute, and his playing is said to be so beautiful that it can soothe even the most savage beast. He is also a skilled composer and has written many of the most popular bardic ballads.
Rhythm the Drummer – Rhythm is a fierce drummer who can play rhythms that can get any audience up and dance. He’s also a master of battle drumming, able to inspire and lead troops into battle with his stirring beats.
Gwendolyn the Hurdy Gurdy Player – Gwendolyn is a specialist in the Hurdy Gurdy and is known for her complex and intricate playing. She has a unique style that blends traditional melodies with modern techniques, and her performances are always a crowd-pleaser.
Calliope the Enchantress – Calliope is a master of enchantment magic and uses her skills to enchant her musical instruments. She can control the elements and create illusions that enhance her performances, making her one of the most mesmerizing bards in the land.
Fae the Fairy Harpist – Fae is a bard who specializes in enchanted Fae instruments, particularly the Fairy Harp. She’s known for her ethereal playing, and her music has been known to transport her audiences to magical realms beyond the mortal plane.
Within the world of Ertha, these accomplished bards have graduated from the Bards’ University and are known for their mastery of their chosen instruments, unique styles of playing, and exceptional magical abilities.
Graduation
The Bards’ University graduation ceremony is a prestigious event, attended by bards from all across the land who come to witness the newest graduates join their ranks.
To graduate from the Bards’ University, students must complete a rigorous program of study that includes advanced coursework in music theory, performance, history, and magic. Students must also pass a comprehensive final exam that tests the mastery of their chosen instrument, as well as their proficiency in bardic spells and enchantments.
At the graduation ceremony, each graduate is called up one by one to perform a piece of their choosing in front of the assembled audience. The pieces are often chosen to showcase the skills and abilities that the graduates have acquired during their time at the university. The performance is followed by the conferring of degrees, with each graduate receiving a diploma and a ceremonial robe.
Once the graduation ceremony is complete, the graduates are automatically inducted as members of the Bards Guild. They are granted access to the guild’s many resources and facilities, including the grand library of bardic lore, a fully equipped performance hall, and a network of guild-sponsored performance venues throughout the land.
As members of the guild, the new bards are also given access to a vast network of fellow musicians, performers, and scholars, who can offer advice, guidance, and inspiration in their ongoing journey as bards. They are also expected to uphold the highest standards of performance and conduct, and to use their talents to bring joy, healing, and enlightenment to the people of Ertha.
GM Tips
The Bards’ University is more than just an institution—it is a cultural cornerstone and a hub of creativity in Ertha. As a GM, you can use it as a backdrop for intricate storytelling, character development, and magical exploration. Its sprawling campus, teeming with music and creativity, provides endless opportunities for players to engage with Ertha’s rich bardic traditions. Introduce the university as a place of opportunity and challenge. Students come from across the land to hone their craft, each carrying their unique goals and personal struggles. Whether a character seeks advanced training, legendary mentors, or access to the Bard’s Guild, the university serves as a gateway to greater possibilities.
Highlighting the Unique Features of the University
Bards’ University is renowned for its beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and access to rare instruments and enchanted items. Use its grand halls, intricate carvings, and lush gardens to create a setting filled with wonder and inspiration. The sight of bards practicing their craft in secluded courtyards or performing impromptu concerts in the main square adds life to the environment.
Incorporate specialty instruments such as the Hurdy Gurdy, Fairy Harp, and Siren’s Lyre to emphasize the university’s uniqueness. Allow players to witness or interact with these instruments to highlight the blend of tradition and magic that defines bardic culture. Students’ dedication to mastering these tools and the challenges they face provide opportunities for compelling narratives.
Creating Challenges for Bardic Students
Life at Bards’ University is not without its difficulties. Use these challenges to shape character growth and provide meaningful stakes.
Students may struggle with the technical demands of mastering their chosen instrument, requiring perseverance and creativity to succeed. Competition among peers is fierce, and the pressure to stand out can lead to rivalries or alliances. Incorporate NPC students with conflicting goals to add interpersonal drama.
External challenges may include disapproving audiences, financial hardships, or societal skepticism toward bards as mere entertainers rather than true artists. These obstacles create tension and provide opportunities for characters to prove their worth.
Integrating the Bardic Guild and Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation from Bards’ University is a major milestone, automatically inducting students into the prestigious Bards Guild. Use this as a pivotal moment in your campaign. Graduation ceremonies, where students perform in front of audiences, can act as a high-stakes event filled with drama and intrigue.
The Bards Guild itself offers a wealth of opportunities. Newly inducted members gain access to libraries of bardic lore, magical resources, and a network of venues across Ertha. Use the guild to introduce new quests, mentors, or collaborative opportunities with other members.
Exploring the Magical Abilities of Bards
Bards at the university learn not only to master their instruments but also to harness magical abilities that make them invaluable adventurers. Create scenarios that showcase their healing spells, morale-boosting enchantments, and combat magic. Whether soothing wounded allies, inspiring companions in the heat of battle, or creating illusions to mislead enemies, bards’ versatility should be central to your campaign.
Allow players to experiment with bardic magic by introducing enchanted instruments with unique abilities. A Fairy Harp might transport listeners to another realm, while a Siren’s Lyre could beguile even the most hardened foes. Use these items as both rewards and challenges, requiring players to understand their power and potential risks.
Incorporating Famous Graduates and NPCs
Bards’ University is home to legendary figures whose stories can inspire or complicate the players’ journey. Characters such as Lyra the Lute Player or Gwendolyn the Hurdy Gurdy master can serve as mentors, rivals, or even potential quest givers. Use their unique styles and reputations to create rich interactions.
Graduates can also act as plot devices. Perhaps one has gone missing, leaving behind an enchanted composition that holds a crucial secret. Alternatively, a graduate’s fame might attract dangerous attention, forcing players to protect them or their legacy.
Using the University as a Quest Hub
The university is an ideal location for launching quests and storylines. Players might be tasked with retrieving rare materials for enchanted instruments, solving a mystery involving stolen bardic compositions, or defending the university from an external threat. Use the university’s sprawling campus and connections to the Bardic Guild to create a wide variety of adventures.
For characters who are not bards, the university can still play a significant role. Non-bard characters might seek the aid of students or professors for magical knowledge, historical insight, or alliances with influential bardic figures.
Bards’ University is more than a setting; it is a place of inspiration, challenge, and transformation. By weaving its traditions, rivalries, and magical potential into your campaign, you can create a vibrant backdrop for storytelling and character development. Whether players seek mastery of enchanted instruments, explore the depths of bardic lore, or rise to prominence within the Bardic Guild, the university offers a wealth of opportunities to enrich your world and engage your players.
