The Melodic Heart
Are you ready? The journey of a Bard is one of discovery and harmony, weaving enchantment into every step. But even the most gifted Bard needs guidance to truly master their craft. Bards’ University, a cornerstone of Ertha’s artistic legacy, offers the perfect sanctuary to uncover hidden talents, expand your repertoire, and embrace the magic within. Graduates of this esteemed institution are proudly inducted into the Bards Guild, officially known as House Wh-Hhae-Urthedth, where they join a legacy of lyrical mastery and creative brilliance.
Nestled within breathtaking landscapes, the campus of Bards’ University is a realm of inspiration. With iconic landmarks like Songspire Manor, Melody Hall, Crescendo Castle, Harmonic House, Chord Keep, and Rhythm Retreat, the institution embodies Ertha’s rich bardic heritage. Every corner offers something unique, from grand libraries to rehearsal spaces, from observatories to secluded retreats. Bards’ University is more than an academy—it’s a realm of wonder for those who seek to harmonize their soul with the music of the world.
Campus Overview
At the heart of Bards’ University is Songspire Manor, an architectural masterpiece and the central hub of bardic life. This grand manor houses the university’s prestigious library, where volumes of bardic history and musical theory are safeguarded. Its hallowed halls resonate with the melodies of students rehearsing for their next great performance.
Adjacent to the Manor lies Melody Hall, a haven for musicians of all calibers. The hall’s carefully enchanted spaces amplify sound while ensuring privacy, offering an ideal environment for rehearsal and collaboration. Students can explore inner and outer courtyards, each designed with acoustics to suit various musical styles.
When it’s time to feast, Crescendo Castle provides a majestic dining experience. The great hall hosts banquets, receptions, and bardic showcases, inspiring camaraderie among students and faculty alike. Meanwhile, Harmonic House ensures each Bard has a personal sanctuary for rest and reflection. These dormitories are enchanted to adapt to the individual’s journey, subtly shifting over time to reflect their growth.
For those seeking inspiration beyond the ordinary, Chord Keep offers a celestial experience. Its magical spiral staircase leads to a rooftop observatory gifted by House Biraach Erabor, a place where Bards can gaze at the heavens and weave starlight into their songs. Lastly, Rhythm Retreat, nestled on the outskirts of campus, provides a tranquil escape for introspective creativity, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
Upon completing their studies, students are welcomed into House Wh-Hhae-Urthedth, the esteemed Bards Guild, where they join an illustrious network of artists, storytellers, and performers who shape Ertha’s cultural tapestry.
Soul of Cadencetree Keep
Stepping into Manor is like entering a living tapestry of bardic history. Tapestries recount legendary performances, and enchanted chandeliers illuminate its polished floors with soft, ambient light. The grand library, a crown jewel of the Manor, is an expansive repository of musical wisdom. Its shelves are filled with tomes on arcane musicology, epic compositions, and tales of Bards who shaped Ertha’s history. Cozy nooks invite students to delve into study or compose their masterpieces, while the glowing fireplace casts a comforting warmth across the room.
Cadencetree Keep also houses state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with enchanted instruments that respond to their player’s intentions, allowing students to push the boundaries of their craft. It is here that aspiring Bards transform potential into artistry.
Melody Hall
Melody Hall is the pulse of Bards’ University, designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Its circular rehearsal spaces are tailored for every musical tradition, each infused with magical acoustics to enhance specific tones and harmonies. Unique enchantments prevent sound from spilling between spaces, creating an environment where every student can rehearse without disturbance.
Instructors frequently host improvisation sessions in the courtyards, encouraging students to explore their limits and connect with Ertha’s musical currents. Melody Hall is more than a building; it’s a living symphony that resonates with the aspirations of every Bard who graces its halls.
GM Tips
Bards’ University offers rich storytelling opportunities for Game Masters in any TTRPG, including Dicesongs. Here are ways to integrate it into your campaigns:
Quest Hub
The university can serve as a central location for adventuring Bards. Professors might request rare artifacts for research, or students could uncover ancient secrets while exploring the library.
Character Development
Use the enchanted dormitories to symbolize a Bard’s growth. As the room changes to reflect their inner journey, players can gain new abilities or insights tied to their narrative arc.
Musical Puzzles
The acoustically enchanted spaces of Melody Hall offer excellent settings for puzzles. Players could decipher harmonics to unlock hidden chambers or collaborate on a performance to pacify a magical entity.
Social Dynamics
The competitive environment at Bards’ University is ripe for rivalries, alliances, and drama. NPCs from various houses could become allies or antagonists, enriching roleplay.
Guild Induction
Graduating players could earn their place in House Wh-Hhae-Urthedth through a final trial or performance, adding a celebratory conclusion to their time at the university.
Celestial Encounters
Chord Keep’s observatory is an ideal setting for stargazing quests, where constellations guide players to forgotten lore or astral entities.
Bards’ University is a playground for imagination. Whether your players are crafting anthems of rebellion or unearthing arcane symphonies, this institution will inspire epic tales in the world of Ertha.
